DELTA UPSILON
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
1834-1934
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)ELTA UPSILON
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
1834-1934
PUBLISHED BY THE DELTA UPSILON FRATERNITY
Copyright, 1934, by the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, Inc.
Printed in the United States of America
by the Haddon Craftsmen, Inc.
Camden, 2V. /. '
CONTENTS
PREFACE ix
I. INTRODUCTION i
II. EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 7
III. CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 32
IV. NATIONAL EXPANSION 52
V. CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEETH CENTURY 73
VI. CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850 TO 1881 100
VII. CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881 TO 1899 137
VIII. EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 169
IX. CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 186
X. CONVENTION ACTIVITIES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 207
XI. THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 222
XII. GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 246
XIII. CHAPTER HISTORIES, igoo TO 1933 270
XIV. FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 296
XV. CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 322
XVI. FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA ' 345
XVII. DELTA UPSILON IN STATE AND NATION 356
CONCLUSION 363
APPENDIX 366
INDEX 373
FOREWORD
TEN years ago, when the Board of Directors began to look forwarc
to the approaching One Hundredth Anniversary of Delta Upsilon
it seemed to them eminently fitting that there should be made avail
able an authentic account of Delta Upsilon's interesting history. Sud
a history, it was plain, would involve a great deal of research anc
should be written by a man who has the bias for facts and the facult)
of setting facts down clearly and interestingly. We were fortunate in
enlisting the services of Dr. William Freeman Galpin, Northwestern
'13, now of the School of Citizenship at Syracuse University.
It is with pleasure that we present to the Fraternity this able and
painstaking work and recognize our very great indebtedness to Brother
Galpin.
THOMAS C. MILLER, Chairman
CARROLL B. LARRABEE
JOHN W. MACE
HORACE G. NICHOL
/W /f,OA
WILLIAM FREEMAN GALPIN, NORTHWESTERN '13
PREFACE
IN 1884 Delta Upsilon celebrated its fiftieth anniversary and in com-
memoration of the event the Fraternity published the first Quin-
quennial. This volume, which was most ably edited by William S.
Chase, Brown '81, presented the record and accomplishments of Delta
Upsilon in a manner that has been of lasting value to all members
of the Fraternity. Since then no serious attempt has been made to
depict the subsequent history of Delta Upsilon. At various times the
Executive Council and later the Board of Directors discussed the
feasibility of a new volume and in one instance endeavored to issue
a history under the direction of Wilson L. Fairbanks. Various diffi-
culties, however, arose which blocked each effort. Finally as the Fra-
ternity entered into its ninetieth year it was realized by those in
control of Delta Upsilon that it would not be long before the Frater-
nity would be celebrating its centennial. For so significant an event
some special features, so it was thought, ought to be arranged which
would mark forever the Williams Convention of 1934. It was with
this idea in mind that Thomas C. Miller approached the author while
enroute to the Seattle Convention of 1925. Various conversations en-
sued with the result that by the fall of the following year the Board
of Directors authorized the research and work incident to this study.
From then on considerable attention was given to the task* of writing
this history of Delta Upsilon. At the very first, John Patterson, Thomas
C. Miller and others realized the necessity of preparing a volume which
would present as precise a historical narrative as possible. In other words
the Board of Directors pledged themselves to support no eulogistic
effort. Not that Delta Upsilon had no reason to declare its accomplish-
ments and contributions but rather that such a volume would be a
living denial of the very ideas and ideals which prompted the incep-
tion of the Fraternity. True to these standards the Directors launched
this endeavor with the determination to have a history and not a
song of praise. Fortified by this decision and encouraged by a generous
subsidy, an attempt has been made to examine manuscript and printed
material preserved at the Fraternity Headquarters. Visits, moreover,
have been made to Williams, Union, Hamilton, Amherst, Middlebury,
Vermont, Rochester, Cornell, Syracuse, Lehigh and Rutgers where
pertinent sources are to be found. Correspondence, moreover, with
ix
x PREFACE
certain chapters like Michigan, Colby and Western Reserve was pro-
ductive of worthwhile information. Finally, a questionnaire was mailed
to all of the chapters during 1932 asking for present-day practices.
On the basis of these various sources and records the following narra-
tive has largely been built.
No attempt has been made to describe in detail all the events in-
cident to the Fraternity's history. In part this may be explained on
the ground that neither the undergraduate nor the alumnus has the
same interest for the unique fact as does the student of history. Again,
it was decided to pay no great attention to the narrative story of each
chapter. An attempt, however, has been made to trace in a careful
manner the forces which led to the establishment of these chapters.
And had some of these been more punctual and thoughtful in answer-
ing requests for information greater space would have been allotted
to them. Finally, it may be noticed that little attention has been paid
to those members whose public careers have gained national recogni-
tion. Here again, Delta Upsilon has many sons whom she may be
justly proud to call her own. In this volume individuals have been
referred to who have given of their time, effort and treasure for the
advancement of the Fraternity. Few Americans indeed know of Wilson
L. Fairbanks, Frederick M. Crossett, Henry R. Waite, John Patterson,
Clifford M. Swan and Thomas C. Miller, but to these men and count-
less others every Delta U worthy of the name owes everlasting gratitude.
Who's Who in Delta Upsilon and not what Delta U's are in Who's
Who has been one of the objectives of this volume.
In gathering the material incident to this study the author is obli-
gated to many individuals. To those chapters who most kindly put
at my disposal their records and services I wish to express my thanks.
Particularly am I under lasting obligation to Miss Luella Bovard,
Office Manager, for her constant and generous services while working
at the Fraternity Headquarters. Miss Bovard first entered into the
Fraternity offices in November, 1911 and since that time has been a
tower of strength in the development of Delta Upsilon. Those who
have the pleasure of meeting and working with her know only too
well how valuable her services have been and how untiring she has
been in her loyalty to the Fraternity. Special mention should also be
made of the aid furnished by Lynne J. Bevan, Samuel S. Hall, John
Patterson, John D. Scott, Warren C. DuBois, Bruce S. Gramley and
Marsh M. Corbitt. Finally, I should like to express my deep apprecia-
tion of the invaluable assistance and guidance given by Thomas C.
Miller. Mr. Miller has most kindly supported me in every detail of
PREFACE xi
research and work. He has read the entire manuscript and has offered
many a timely and helpful suggestion. Indeed, if this volume were
to be dedicated to anyone it should be to Mr. Miller as a perpetual
monument of one who has labored in and out of season for the growth
and advancement of Delta Upsilon.
W. F. GALPIN, Northwestern '13
Syracuse, New York,
January, 1934.
DELTA UPSILON
ONE HUNDRED YEARS
1834-1934
Chapter I
INTRODUCTION
THE GENESIS OF DELTA UPSILON CALVINISM VERSUS UNITARIANISM
THE AMERICAN SYSTEM HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS EFFECTS ON
EDUCATION LITERARY AND GREEK LETTER SOCIETIES REACTIONS
BY NEUTRAL ELEMENT ANTI-MASONIC MOVEMENT
IN REVIEWING the history of our Fraternity one is impressed at the very
outset by the fact that Delta Upsilon did not come into being as
the result of an accident, nor was it animated by a group of over
idealistic college students. Unmistakable evidence points to deeper,
richer and more lasting foundations.
Among the forces which should be considered in tracing the ante-
cedents of Delta Upsilon none is more significant than that which
relates to the spirit and thought of the age. Early nineteenth century
New England, and America for that matter, witnessed the dawning of
a new era and the twilight of a rapidly disappearing old order. The
past was ably represented by those staunch followers of Jonathan
Edwards who still dinned into the ears of man the religious ideas and
political tenets of Calvinism. According to this school of thought man
was not fit to be born and all that might be expected in life was an
opportunity to mortify the flesh and humiliate the spirit so that at
last one might, through the Master's atonement, gain everlasting life.
In contradiction to this rather dismal philosophy there was a newer
concept, rational in form and scientific in method. Man, the followers
of the new order proclaimed, should seek a full and wholesome life,
make the most of his opportunities, and endeavor to enlarge the bounds
of human knowledge and achievement. To the Calvinists this was all
so much heresy and its advocates sought with all their might to stem
the ever mounting tide of humanism. Vested interests in state and
church joined hands with these conservative forces in this titanic
battle of ideas. Press and pulpit, school room and law court, political
parties and religious groups echoed with the din of the contest. On
the one hand Jehovah's annointed denounced the blasphemous errors
of the reformers and poured into the receptive ears of the faithful the
2 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
time-worn stereotypes of an ancient creed. Man's most humble duty,
according to these, was to protect and defend the established and
honored customs on the ground that it constituted God's divine order
and plan of life. In opposition to these concepts came the counter
blasts of the opponents. English rationalists and French Revolutionary
philosophers, though dubbed Unitarians and Jacobins, set forth the
doctrine of man's natural rights and of the duties of government to
society at large rather than to a favored few. Political and social
equalitarianism was stressed, while prayers were raised to Christ, the
Prince of Peace, and not to Jehovah, the God of Battle.
Manifestations of the new order were to be seen everywhere by the
fourth decade of the nineteenth century. Nationally, it was shown by
the westward migration of countless persons; by the "American Sys-
tem" of Henry Clay; in short by a virile nationalism that in time was
to dominate the Americas. In the economic world, labor was demand-
ing through newly formed associations that the industrialization of the
country should not bind and fetter man as had been the case in Old
England. Religious life was pulsating and quickening under the im-
petus of Tract, Bible, Temperance and other similar agencies. Political
and party lines were being warped and broken by the insistent attack
of the reforming advocates. An Ellery Channing, Samuel J. May and
Noah Worcester were pleading most effectively from their pulpits the
interests of the new humanism. The Liberator, Friend of Man, Non-
Resistant, and numerous other radical newspapers, under the able
leadership of men like William Lloyd Garrison, brought home these
teachings in yet another manner. And there were the Brook Farm and
Oneida experiments with their programs and standards of social re-
form. Reverberations, moreover, echoed through the class rooms of a
number of colleges and universities; institutions that ultimately threw
open wide their doors to the new learning. Practically every New
England college had at least one of the many organizations or societies
that stood for a freer and more liberal attitude towards the meaning
and end of life. Peace societies, Temperance and Sunday School organ-
izations were to be found on many a campus, attracting the attention
of both the faculty and student body. And amid this liberal renais-
sance of thought and letters came the birth of Delta Upsilon, which in
its aims and ideals typified so well the spirit of the new humanism.
Societal organizations, however, had existed for a number of years
in the American college world, and out of these gatherings of students
came the framework of the future Greek letter fraternities. Literary
and debating clubs were common features of student life. At Williams,
INTRODUCTION 3
for example, there had existed since 1794 the Adelbert Union, followed
in time by the Philologian and Philotechnian societies. Rochester,
Middlebury, Brown and other colleges had similar groups. The pur-
pose behind these organizations was in part literary as the founding
of libraries, the delivering of orations, holding debates on national and
local matters all show. In addition they reflected the searching spirit
o the new age. The simple fact that these aspects of student efforts
continued for a long time as one of the most outstanding characteristics
of early chapter life in the Fraternity, is proof of the significance of
this factor as a source for fraternity development. These literary groups
had also another objective which was moral or religious in nature.
This is revealed by the contemporary opinion of that day which
applauded the Christian utterances and actions of these students, many
of whom rushed most enthusiastically into the ministry of God. An
examination of the minutes of the meetings of our oldest chapters
illustrates most effectively the influence of this moral side of the
literary societies.
Other organizations also existed which stressed fraternal rather than
literary life. The Flat Hat Club, the P. D. A. Society, both of William
and Mary, had been formed as early as the middle of the eighteenth
century. These groups were secret societies possessing a badge, and
while boasting of their literary and social value they paid liberal lip
service to the inevitable punch bowl of that century. Somewhat later,
1776, there appeared at the same college the well known Phi Beta
Kappa, the first organization probably to adopt a Greek name. Further-
more, up to as late as 1835, this fraternity maintained a secret organiza-
tion, had a grip, badge and mysterious ritual, though in other respects
it was comparable to the literary clubs of that day. Chapters of Phi
Beta Kappa were placed at a number of New England colleges and
were well known to those who later conceived and built Delta Upsilon.
Other Greek letter societies followed, each one of which paid more and
more attention to social and fraternal life.
By 1820 and 1830 a number of avowed social fraternities were to be
found throughout New England and New York. Greek names, secret
rituals, grips and badges were the outstanding features of these student
organizations. Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi and Psi Upsilon may be men-
tioned as representatives of these societies. Each of these, moreover,
existed at one or more of the colleges where the earliest chapters of
Delta Upsilon were to be planted. The appearance of these strictly
secret clubs caused some worry and anxiety to college authorities and
students. The former looked with grave concern upon these fraternities
4 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
which had created unheard of distinctions, jealousies and hard feelings
among the student body. Further, the rivalry that existed between
these Greeks, and the heated scramble that followed for the possession
of class honors and offices, which were often attended by political deals
and arrangements, were viewed as being contrary to the aims and
objectives of educational institutions. Often the candidate for office
had little personal merit or ability. Fraternity reputation and prestige
was frequently placed above the needs of the office or the standing of
the school. Finally, the faculty questioned the expediency of these
societies whose ambitions and policies took the student's attention
away from the class room and centered it upon extra curricular activi-
ties. Non-fraternity students were also aroused over this innovation in
campus life. To these students, the wearing of a badge, the mysterious
gatherings behind closed doors and the steam rolling practices in
class elections, seemed un-American and out of place in the free
atmosphere of colleges and universities. Most certainly there were
some scholars who would gladly have cast their lot in with these secret
clubs had they been given the chance. This point is significant and
should not be overlooked by those who would ascribe only the loftiest
ideals and motives to the founders of Delta Upsilon. Constituted as he
is, man seeks to enjoy public approval, and membership in a secret
fraternity seemed to many the logical fruition of this desire. Unfortu-
nately, these societies were highly selective and a large number of
students found it impossible to become Greek letter men. Not being
able to enter through the ritualistic portals of these societies, many a
student turned his mind towards the task of creating other groups,
which in most cases became only other secret fraternities. In one
notable exception, however, those dissatisfied with the Greek letter
ideals and aims chose to follow the path of non-secrecy. Most of the
members of this new society evidently disliked and detested everything
that smacked of secrecy. Snobbery, aristocracy and underhandedness in
college life, cut deep into the quick of those who saw caprice and
privilege robbing them of distinction among their fellow students.
And yet it is to be observed, some of those who joined these anti-secret
organizations did so because they had not been able to join one of the
existing societies. The chapter rolls of Williams, Union, Middlebury
and Amherst show a number of names who for one reason or another
broke their vows of anti-secrecy and became members of one of the
secret fraternities. Finally, it should be noted that even the foes of
the secret societies had their badges and Greek letter names, revealing
to that extent their desire to look like the accepted fraternity type.
INTRODUCTION 5
The ideals o the anti-secret groups, however, were vastly different,
which in turn illustrates the driving force in the genesis of Delta
Upsilon.
One other source remains to be considered and that was the influence
of the anti-masonic feeling which swept over the East during the
i83o's. Masonry had existed in America since colonial days and many
a college student joined this order before or after the close of his
university life. Side by side with the growth of Free Masonry there
had developed a distinct attitude of mind that was hostile to this
ancient order. Masonry was viewed as being contrary to the ideals of
the Republic and smacked too much of the European scheme of things
to have any place in free America. No aggressive stand, however, was
taken against Masonry until the abduction and later disappearance of
William Morgan of Batavia, New York. Morgan, a Mason himself,
had grown somewhat disgruntled with his fraternal connections and
seems to have been on the point of publishing an expos of his lodge
when he was suddenly abducted. This in itself was bad enough, but
when he failed to appear and when a body resembling Morgan was
found in a creek near Lake Ontario, the opposition to Masonry knew
no bounds. Opinion was hurried along to accept the yarns that were
spun about Morgan's disappearance and a public funeral of some size
was accorded the body that had been found. Even after it was clearly
established that this was not Morgan's body, the strength of the anti-
masonic feeling did not abate. By the close of 1827 ^is sentiment
showed itself in political circles by the formation in New York of the
Anti-Masonic party. Within the next few years the movement had
become national, but by the election of 1832 it was evidently a dying
factor. It continued to function for a number of years, chiefly in New
York, but ultimately this group went the way of most third parties
and totally disappeared.
The question naturally arises at this point, as it has arisen in the
minds of many, as to the connection which may have existed between
this movement and that which laid the foundations for Delta Upsilon.
Some indeed have been bold enough to imply that it was as a result of
this anti-masonic movement that Delta Upsilon came into existence.
Now no one would seek to deny the fact that knowledge of the Morgan
affair and its aftermath existed among university students and faculty;
and those colleges which first had chapters of the Anti-Secret Con-
federation were no exceptions to this. Further, it is reasonable to
assume that some of those who founded our earliest chapters not only
knew of the Anti-Masonic party but were also actually influenced to
6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
some extent in forming ideas as to anti-secrecy in college life. Not one
bit of evidence, however, may be found in the annals of these chapters
to warrant the conclusion that anti-masonry had anything to do with
the founding of our Fraternity. Contemporary accounts of college
life for this period are also silent as to Morgan and Masonry. Professor
Albert Hopkins of Williams College in an article published in the
Journal of the American Education Society for 1834 discusses the
antecedents of anti-secrecy at Williams. Nowhere in this article does
the author directly or indirectly refer to the anti-masonic movement,
which, if it had been a factor of any size or importance could hardly
have been ignored by the professor. The connection, therefore, between
the anti-masonic movement and Delta Upsilon is one that docs not
exist. Had Delta Upsilon been built upon the shifting sands of anti-
masonry, it would have long since disappeared. The fact that it not
only survived but has grown into the position it now holds is ample
proof that it owes its origins to other factors of greater and more
lasting importance. These factors, as has been shown, were those deal-
ing with the development of a nineteenth century renaissance in
thought and letters, in the growth of the literary societies, in the
appearance of fraternal organizations and finally in the inception of
hostility to the practices and motives of the secret societies.
Chapter II
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
THE BIRTH OF THE WILLIAMS CHAPTER GROWTH AND GENERAL
CHARACTERISTICS INTERNAL DISSENSION WITHDRAWAL FROM THE
CONFEDERATION THE GENESIS OF THE UNION AND MIDDLEBURY
CHAPTERS INTERNAL STRIFE AND DEATH THE RISE OF HAMIL-
TON AND AMHERST
ORGANIZED anti-secret efforts first appeared at Williams College.
Pronounced opposition to the monopolistic practices of the exist-
ing fraternities seems to have been the chief antecedent for the rise
of the Social Fraternity. Other considerations, such as the desire on
the part of some individuals to belong to a student organization, also
existed, though it is likely that a determined revolt against secret
societies was the most decisive factor. Contemporary evidence endorses
this assumption and records that a group of students, described as
the "moral . . . and religious members of College," took steps to-
wards the foundation of a society pledged to combat the evils of
secrecy. Continued conversation on the part of these men led to a
gathering in the Freshmen Recitation room of Old West College on
the evening of November 4, 1834- 1 Exactly what took place at this
meeting is not known as the minutes of this gathering as well as
those for the ensuing seven years appear to have been destroyed by
fire. From other extant sources it is known that the thirty students
present at this assembly organized themselves into a body bearing the
name, Social Fraternity. On the basis of these known facts it is reason-
able to assume that some form of a constitution was drafted, that
certain officers were elected and that steps were taken for the advance-
ment of the ideals and purposes that its members had so enthusi-
astically embraced. In all probability Dr. Anson L. Hobart, of the
class of 1836, was chosen President of the local fraternity.
The following morning, November 5, the campus was agog with
x An earlier meeting seems to have taken place in the room of F. W. Tappan,
at which the idea of an organization was first presented, see Quinquennial (1884),
p. 144.
7
8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
intense excitement. News of what had happened the night before
seems to have become common knowledge. As a result the Greeks
were on hand to give their rivals a warm welcome. Considerable
ridicule was poured upon those who had joined the Social Fraternity.
"Badges of every description of caricature were worn by them and
classic epithets were given us." All of this, however, in the words of
William Bross, "we bore patiently and fearlessly/' The tactics adopted
by the secret societies showed only too well the tenor of their own
practices and at the same time displayed just those characteristics
which were bound to further the interests of those they sought to
destroy. Had the Greek letter men ignored these newcomers, they
would have made the lot of the Social Fraternity more difficult. As it
was, persecution only added to the growing strength of the new so-
ciety, whose members consistently refused to resist evil by force.
Rather were they content to proceed in a quiet and dignified manner.
"In the recitation-rooms, and in the [literary] societies they did their
whole duty as best they could in the full belief that hard work and
sterling integrity in the end would win." 2 Doubtless, the defenders
of anti-secrecy magnified the cold and hostile attitude of the Greeks
and probably have left us accounts that are overcolored. It may be
that an examination of the minutes of the secret societies would
throw light on this matter. In any event, the fact remains that the
Greek world was visibly agitated over the advent of the Social Fra-
ternity.
The Williams Society successfully weathered the stress and storm
of the winter of 1834 and 1835. Twenty-eight new members accepted
the pledges of anti-secrecy in 1835, an achievement that clearly
pointed to the permanency of the Social Fraternity. Further additions
were made during the next three years with the result that by 1838
the Mother Chapter of Delta Upsilon had on its rolls the names of
seventy-two students, which was about two-thirds of all the members
of the college. 3 By this time a badge, with the motto Qvdev Ady'Kov
had been adopted, both being the work of Charles G. Hazeltinc,
while Edward P. Hawkes submitted the draft of a new constitution
which after some changes was accepted by the society. This organic
law served for a number of years the needs of the Williams group
and, as will be seen, became the model upon which kindred societies
in other colleges fashioned their own conduct. In this latter capacity
3 Quinquennial, op. tit., p. 4. An interesting note may be found in the Quarterly,
XXII: 195.
8 Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 5, 133.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT g
the Williams constitution acted as a most effective factor in nationaliz-
ing these allied organizations and furnished much that actually went
into the making of the Articles of the Anti-Secret Confederation.
A copy of this chapter's constitution was inserted in a catalogue pub-
lished by the Williams group in 1836. The Preamble of this document
deserves quotation not merely because it is the earliest known copy
of a constitution the Fraternity had, but also because it reveals mod-
esty as to purpose and simplicity as to organization. It is also of
interest to note that the term "anti-secrecy" does not appear. The
Preamble reads as follows:
We, members of Williams College, feeling a deep interest in the
peace and prosperity of the Institution to which we belong, and be-
lieving that all combinations and societies not founded upon liberal
principles are calculated to destroy the harmony of College; do
hereby form ourselves into a society for the purpose of counteracting
the evil tendency of associations of which we disapprove and for the
purpose of literary, mutual and social improvement.
Two years later the constitution was revised while the Preamble
was enlarged and ideas inserted that are more familiar to those who
know the historical development of the Fraternity's Constitution. For
this reason it seems expedient to quote the Preamble of 1838.
Believing that secret societies are calculated to destroy the harmony
of College, to create distinctions not founded upon merit, to produce
strile and animosity; we feel called upon to exert ourselves to counter-
act the evil tendency of such associations.
We believe that the evils resulting from them are such as can best be
suppressed only by action combined with principle.
We would invest no class of our fellow students with factious advan-
tage, but would place all upon an equal footing in running the race of
honorable distinction.
The only superiority which we acknowledge is the superiority of
merit.
We, therefore, members of Williams College, believing that volun-
tary associations, if properly conducted exert a mighty influence in the
correction of evil, do agree to form themselves into a Society for the
purpose of counteracting the evil tendency of secret associations, for
maintaining and diffusing liberal principles, and for promoting the
great objects of social and literary improvement.
In doing this we are confident that we have at heart the best interests
of the institution to which we belong and that we are directed by the
light of experience, the suggestion of reason, and the dictates of
conscience.
No material change took place in the Preamble as it appeared in
1839. Late in the same year, however, the society became considerably
10 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
agitated over the defection of a number of its members. The glamour
of the Greek letter organizations proved to be too alluring to some of
the Social Fraternity. Consequently pledges were broken, a circum-
stance that caused the Williams Chapter to take the matter under most
serious consideration. After some thought, it would appear that the
Chapter "assaulted" Kappa Alpha, which evidently had been the worse
offender. Little good came out of this type of action and in due time
it was discontinued. Sober thought must have counseled other ways as
we hear no more of this species of hostility. 4 Again, Williams had other
matters of far graver importance to tax their strength, namely the
question of consolidating with the Equitable Union of Union College.
Unfortunately these efforts failed, though in 1847 Williams was able to
lead the societies at Union, Amherst and Hamilton into the Anti-
Secret Confederation. 5
Prior to this epoch-making event the Williams group seems to have
been most enthusiastic about maintaining its literary and social aspects.
Orations and debates, judging by the repeated entries of these topics
in the records, must have played a predominant r61e in the chapter
meetings and doubtless did much to further the life of the society.
Certainly the Social Fraternity could not have traveled as far as it did
had it not been highly selective in recruiting prospective membcis.
No one, it appears, could join the society who had given pledges to or
believed in secret societies. High moral and intellectual abilities were
also insisted upon and if a candidate measured up to these require-
ments he might be admitted into the fraternity at any regular meeting,
providing two-thirds of those present had given their assent. For
example, on September 22, 1840, "an invitation was given to all present
who wished to join the society." From this entry one may deduce, first,
that the meetings were open to the general student body, and, second,
that no discussion then took place as to the merits of any likely candi-
date. In adopting the former procedure the chapter was strictly adher-
ing to its ideals and motives. On the other hand no chapter today
would think of allowing strangers to attend a meeting which had as
its prime purpose the election of new members; especially if some of
these chanced to be in the fraternity house. In theory, of course, the
chapter doors are never closed, though practice has dictated a contrary
policy. A century ago, however, things were quite different. Collegiate
administrative boards imposed no restrictions in such matters and there
existed no inter-fraternity council to issue rules in respect to "rushing."
4 See Spring, L. W., A History of Williams College, (Boston, 1917), p. 287.
5 See below pp. 32-33 for a more detailed account of this movement.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 11
Further, there was no overhead expense in maintaining a chapter
house and consequently no need for pledging members early in the
freshmaa year. Again, in view of the small number of students at
Williams,, favorable opportunities existed for ascertaining in general
the attitudes of most undergraduates towards secrecy. The same factor,
moreover, allowed every student to form an opinion as to the ideals
and practices of the various clubs on the campus. Accordingly, one
may saiely conclude that the greater part, if not all, of those admitted
to the meetings were well informed of the aims of the Social Fraternity,
which in turn had a good understanding of all prospective members.
This assumption is strengthened upon recalling that before an invita-
tion was extended, the secretary read the constitution in full for the
benefit of all present. In 1842, however, the practice of admitting
candidates not previously proposed was dropped and for the future no
one was accepted who had not been "first proposed by name."
In seeking to explain this change one is led to believe that it may
be found in the following consideration. Public meetings, while in
keeping with the ideals of the society, permitted those of the Greek
world to be present. Although the Williams group frowned upon this
practice and viewed it as "ungentlemanly" and intended "as an insult,"
no official action seems to have been taken to oust these trouble
makers. Consequently, it was easy for the other societies to make
contacts with those who already were members of the Social Fraternity
or who contemplated joining. In this way pressure was placed upon
the loyalties of the Williams men. Well directed gossip by the Greeks
as to the merits of mysterious passwords, grips and badges, did much
to deter some from joining the Williams Chapter. Further, these prac-
tices weaned away from the Social Fraternity some who otherwise
might have been active and loyal members. Those who broke their
pledges were of course expelled. It may be argued that the expulsion
of these men had no connection with the adoption of the above
mentioned amendment of 1842. On the other hand, it seems reasonable
to assume that the pledging of men who later joined secret fraternities
or who evidently were "misfits" cautioned the Social Fraternity to be
more careful in the selection of its members. In any event, this change
in policy must have strengthened the Williams group, although back-
sliders continued to exist and expulsions had to be made. In spite of
this the society prospered. Its reputation spread to other colleges where
Thc Williams records show that from March, 1842 to September, 1848, at least
twenty-five men were expelled for having joined other groups and twenty-four
others were dismissed for reasons that are not stated in the minutes of the chapter.
12 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
in time similar anti-secret groups were formed, in part as a result of
the efforts made at Williams. Moreover, Williams played an impoitant
role at the Troy Convention of 1847 which witnessed the birth of the
national Anti-Secret Confederation.
Continued efforts along national lines attracted the interest of the
Williams men for the next fifteen years. From an internal point of
view considerable progress was also made. Literary activities stimulated
the interest of all and many a college honor was won by the chapter.
The reports given by the Williams delegates at general conventions are
replete with evidence on this matter. The attitude of the chapter is
also revealed in the publication of a tract entitled Opinions of Dis-
tinguished Men on Secret Societies. At the same time the recognized
value of social contacts was not lost sight of or ignored. In selecting
candidates the chapter rigidly adhered to its constitution and refused
to admit persons who belonged to secret societies whose life at Williams
had ended. Even those who were affiliated with non-campus secret
organizations were not elected to the Social Fraternity. On the other
hand there is reason for believing that some were admitted too early
in their college life to have had time to weigh properly the merits of
secrecy and non-secrecy. As a result the chapter had on its rolls persons
who were lukewarm in their devotion, a factor that added little to the
strength of the society. This defect became so apparent that those
interested in the welfare of the fraternity were called upon, to advocate
a change in policy. Accordingly, after much debate the chapter at a
meeting held July 16, 1850 unanimously adopted the following
resolutions:
Whereas there has not been the interest in the Social Fraternity
during the gast year which there should have been, owing to some of
its members not believing & acting in accordance with its principles
& believing that the strength 8c influence of the Society depended not
so much upon the number as upon the principles of its members
Therefore
Resolved, That persons proposed for membership in this Society
shall be admitted singly by ballot & no person shall be received into
the Society until he has been a member of the College four weeks of
term time
Resolved, That the interest of this Society would be promoted by
having debates confined to the Senior and Junior Class
Resolved, That a Committee of two from each of the three upper
classes be chosen whose duty it shall be to propose persons as members
of the Society and no other members of the Society shall propose
persons as members.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 13
Doubtless the adoption of this report, particularly those parts that
concerned the election of new members, gave greater solidarity to the
society. This added strength was both well advised and well timed,
as the secret organizations appear to have launched a determined
attack against the chapter shortly thereafter. It was the belief of these
fraternities that the Williams Chapter served no useful purpose and
that in any event it was an inefficient society. Gossip of this type was
circulated on the campus for some time. Finally in 1855, two of the
Greek letter societies joined in a challenge to the Social Fraternity
for a public disputation over the merits and dements of secrecy. No
time was lost by the Williams men in accepting this invitation. Joint
committees of both groups worked out the details of the proposed
debate and all seemed ready for the event when the Greek letter
societies suddenly withdrew from the affair. Rather weakly they gave
as their excuse that they had not had "time to give justice to the sub-
ject," that they were afraid of "incurring personal odium," that an
uncalled for "excitement in college" would be promoted and that in
any case a debate would be "doing no good." The Social Fraternity
through James A. Garfield promptly expressed a willingness to go
ahead as planned with these groups but they declined the opportunity.
Although greatly disappointed over the outcome, particularly as the
genesis of the affair lay with those Greeks who by their challenge had
cast certain reflections on the Social Fraternity, the Williams Chapter
attempted to revive the proposed debate. As late as January, 1858,
overtures were made to the Greeks who, however, refused to have
anything to do with it, "thus acknowledging," so the Williams' record
runs, "the weakness of their position." At this time out of a total
student body of two hundred and five, the secret societies had ninety-
eight members while the Social Fraternity had thirty-six. 7
A few years later, namely 1861, another attack was directed against
the Williams Chapter; this time, however, it was by the neutral ele-
ment in the college. For some time past the neutrals had been growing
in numbers and strength. It was their hope to supplant the Social
Fraternity, though it is difficult to see what they had to gain by this
movement. Possibly, their leaders expected to enhance their own posi-
tion and reputation, but of this there is no evidence at hand; nor are
7 John N. Leonard very kindly investigated the minutes of Chi Psi Fraternity
at Williams but found no reference to the proposed debate. A more detailed state-
ment of the affair appears in the Quarterly, 11:156-159, in which Kappa Alpha
and Alpha Delta Phi are listed as being the fraternities which had issued the
challenge.
14 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
we informed as to the nature of the contest. In any event, the Williams
Chapter was more than able to hold its own and within a short time
organized neutral opposition gradually disappeared. 8
In spite of the success won by the Social Fraternity in this conflict
as well as in that with the secret societies, the fact icmains that both
encounters had taxed the organization to the utmost. In addition, the
chapter was agitated by a decided internal drilt towauls a more liberal
method in the selection of its members. Again there were some indi-
viduals who sought to gain class honors and offices in a spirit which
ran counter to the ideals of the society. Some of the chapter, moreover,
were firmly convinced that there was a lack of "active moial power"
and that the fraternity had allowed its principles to speak for them-
selves without any endeavor being made to live up to the pledges of
the society. In other words, there seems to have been a number ol dis-
integrating forces at work, the effect of which was to be seen in a
decline in membership. By the spring of 1862 the chapter had but
twenty-four members, while the secret societies and the neutrals num-
bered ninety-four and eighty-nine respectively. Of these twenty-four,
half were seniors with the remainder being divided equally between
the junior and freshman classes. 9 The record of the votes taken at
chapter meetings reflects a decrease in numbers while the lack of
interest is revealed in the quality of the meetings themselves. Whereas
earlier minutes contain references to lively debates and stimulating
discussions, now little attention seems to have been paid to these
matters. Unfortunate as the situation was, the society might have
weathered the storm but for a shift in the policies of the Fraternity.
Among some of the chapters there was a sentiment against ihc exist-
ing qualifications for membership. Only a constitutional change would
meet the demands of these groups and to this Williams was very
definitely opposed. For a time, Williams sought to stem the rising tide,
but on finding the opposition in control, asked for and obtained in
May, 1862 an honorable dismissal from the Confederation. 30
The opinion of the Williams men was that the cause of anti-secrecy
could best be served on its own campus without membership in the
national society. In less than a year and a half, however, organized
anti-secrecy disappeared at Williams. During this interval of inde-
8 Williams to Rutgers, Nov. 26, 1861.
The Catalogue of the Anti-Secret Confederation for 1864 lists the "Williams
Chapter as having but eleven members in 1862. I have used the figures as given in
the chapter records.
10 See below pp. 47-51 for a detailed statement of this matter.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 15
pendent isolation, meetings appear to have been held under the title
of the Anti-Secret Association of Williams College. Disintegrating
forces, however, continued to operate and on October 6, 1863 the
society formally voted to dissolve. In reviewing the factors that led
to this unhappy event, one should note the hostility of both the
Greeks and the neutrals, the steady decline in numbers and the change
that took place in the program of the national fraternity. It may also
be true, though of this there is no tangible evidence, that a few of
the chapter entered the ranks of the Union armies. On the other
hand, it should be remembered that Williams contemplated with-
drawal from the Confederation in the spring of 1861 before the out-
break of the Civil War. In any event it would appear that the deciding
factor in the withdrawal of the chapter and its ultimate dissolution
was national and not local. Had the Fraternity continued to adhere
to its older ways the Williams men in all probability would not have
asked for a dismissal, and, what is more important, would not have
voted for dissolution. As it was the severing of national connections
must have weakened the interest of some of its members and have
deterred others from joining. Why the alumni of the chapter did not
attempt to smooth matters over is not known. None of them, as far
as our records show, expressed any opinion over the differences that
existed between the Williams group and the other chapters. It may
well be that the alumni agreed with the active chapter in thinking
the Fraternity was departing from time-honored and established prin-
ciples. And yet when the chapter ultimately dissolved some of the
graduate members expressed deep sorrow and offered to give financial
assistance whenever the "Equitable Fraternity of Williams College"
saw fit to resume its accustomed place on the campus. Among those
who signed this offer was James A. Garfield who had been a most
loyal member of the society. The fact that certain alumni were
aroused to action over the disappearance of the Social Fraternity
lends strength to the assumption that their silence over the question
of withdrawal in 1863 indicated an agreement with the chapter in
this matter. Of this, however, there is no definite evidence at hand.
Unfortunate as was the withdrawal of the Mother Chapter, the day
was to come in October, 1883, when Williams once again became an
active member of Delta Upsilon.
The dissolution of the Williams group left the Union Chapter as
the oldest member of the Confederation. Concerning the genesis and
early history of this chapter much less is known than could be desired.
No minute books exist and the local newspapers have no reference
16 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
to the activities of this organization. On the basis, however, of other
material it may safely be assumed that anti-secrecy first appeared on
that campus during the school year 1837 and 1838. The motives as-
signed for the founding of the Alpha Omicron Society seem to have
been the same as existed at Williams, though there is no proof avail-
able that the Union society received any stimulus from, or even
knew of, the Social Fraternity at the time it was founded. Doubtless
the Union men adopted some form of a constitution and elected
officers though of this there is no evidence at hand. It is, however,
established that the society accepted a monogram badge made of the
letters Alpha and Omicron and that it was also known as the Equit-
able Union. Approximately one hundred students joined the organi-
zation during its first year, an achievement that brilliantly demon-
strated the need of a counter society to those then existing. 11 Meetings
appear to have been held in the chapel of West College as well as the
home of President Nott. Evidently the aims of the new fraternity met
with the approval of the administration, a fact that must have gone
far in aiding the growth of Alpha Omicron. At these gatherings, which
were open to the public, the merits of secrecy were freely debated. On
the other hand the secret fraternities girded themselves for a contest
that lasted for all of three years. 12 During these trying days the Union
group more than held its own. Its members increased in numbers and
in July, 1840 it published under the editorship of Fabricus Vidcns a
thirty-one page tract known as the Spy-Glass.
The author of this tract warmly recommends the same to all who
might care to know the true nature of "those non-descripts yclept
Secrets," and proceeds to delineate their short-comings with consid-
erable skill and feeling. He predicts that in no short time the existing
fraternities will have ceased to exist and that their remains will only
be found in the crumbling ruins of some forgotten cemetery. Certain
campus lights, whose names have been easily determined, are bitterly
attacked for having broken their pledges to the anti-secret society,
while their devotion to hard liquor and immoral practices are de-
nounced in no uncertain terms. To cap the entire expos, the title
page carries a small cut which shows a group of drunken fraternity
men staggering through the streets, while from an upper story window
there gazes through a spy-glass a member of Alpha Omicron. While it
The Quarterly, 11:54-59 states that 103 students joined the society during its
first year; the Quinquennial, op. cit. t pp. 184-187, lists 101. In either case this
number amounted to about one-third of the entire student body.
13 These societies were Kappa Alpha, Sigma Phi, Delta Phi and Psi Upsilon.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 17
must be admitted that the general tone of the tract is one that is not
entirely complimentary to its author, the fact remains that the Spy-
Glass illustrates rather well what the aims and objectives of the Union
Chapter were at that time in respect to secrecy. 13 Among the students
at Union, the tract seems to have considerable influence as by 1841
the Greek world gave up the contest and admitted the right of others
to share in class elections and honors. As a result of this victory the
effectiveness of Alpha Omicron became less apparent. Only eleven
members of the class of 1843 joined the society, ten of the class of
1844 and but one of 1845. All of which is in marked contrast to the
one hundred fifty students who had been members during the first
four years of the society's existence. To all intents and purposes,
Alpha Omicron by 1845 hzd ceased to exist.
Hardly had the society ceased to function than the Greek letter
fraternities drifted back to their old practices. Fortune smiled only
upon those who were members of these secret organizations. Merit
was forgotten and class distinctions went only to a favored few. Con-
ditions, in other words, were as bad as they had been eight years be-
fore. Naturally, therefore, certain students who resented the tactics
of the Greeks began, in 1845, to revive the idea of an opposition
society. As a result Alpha Omicron was reestablished in the fall of
that year, though it is not definitely known who were the leaders of
this movement. An examination of the class rolls of 1846 and 1847
reveals the names of several students who doubtless were near rela-
tives of some who had belonged to the earlier society and from whom
guidance and instruction may have been secured. In any event, the
cause of anti-secrecy had been reborn at Union.
The older societies demonstrated their attitude towards their rival
by omitting any reference to Alpha Omicron in a college catalogue
they published, although all other organizations on the campus were
listed. To this the Union Chapter replied with a catalogue of its own
in which the suggestion appears that students would do well to join
a literary rather than a secret society. This was followed in 1850 by
a tract entitled Secret Societies in College which was at once matched
by a Review issued under the auspices of the Greek fraternities. Alpha
Omicron answered this by a Review of the Review in which the claims
of the secret fraternities were refuted. These various efforts illustrate
quite well the growing power of anti-secrecy as well as the nature of
the contest between the two types of fraternities. Further, it is inter-
esting to note that within a few years Alpha Omicron was recognized
18 1 am indebted to the Librarian of Union College Library for the use of this tract.
i8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
as holding a position equal to that of the other Greek societies on
the Union Campus.
The establishment of Alpha Omicron, as well as its revival, was
accomplished without any assistance from the Social Fraternity of
Williams College. Indeed there is no evidence at hand to warrant the
statement that the Union men were aware of the existence of the
anti-secret group at Williams. As it is, therefore, the inception of the
Union Chapter must be traced directly to local sources, all of which
illustrates that the idea of anti-secrecy was present at more than one
college.
In the meantime, however, contact had been established with the
society at Williams. Early in November, 1845, the Williams group had
received a letter from Union in which the desire was expressed that
the latter might be "united as a Branch of the Social Fraternity."
This was not the first time that Alpha Omicron had proposed the
idea of consolidation. As early as 1840 a similar overture had been
made but due to certain difficulties, discussed in the following chap-
ter, had not been successful. The movement started in 1845, however,
bore fruit in a convention held at Schenectady, July to, 1847. An-
other meeting was also held at Troy in November of the same year.
And while Union does not seem to have taken the leadership at this
second meeting, as did Williams, the fact remains that Union deserves
the credit for having issued the call for and having directed the steps
which led towards the formation of the Anti-Secret Confederation.
From then on until 1864 th e Union Chapter maintained a lively in-
terest in the life of the Confederation, acted as host to the Conven-
tions of 1851 and 1865 and showed in more than one way a loyal de-
votion to the national organization and its ideals.
Of its internal life less is known. Attention has already been given
to the various publications issued by the chapter in the interests of
anti-secrecy. At the same time it appears that the society was rather
sadly torn by internal dissensions. Some of the members deplored the
absence of a chapter hall, a fact that doubtless did much to lessen
the fraternal spirit of the group. Exactly why the society did not have
a hall has not been established. It may be there were no funds for
such a purpose, or again, it may be that some of the men were opposed
to the idea altogether. By 1854 a definite cleavage had developed in
the chapter over the question of a hall. Unable to gain their ends,
the dissatisfied element openly talked about withdrawing. Added
strength was given to this bloc by a misunderstanding which had
grown up between the society and the college faculty. Although the
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 19
exact nature of this dispute has not been determined, it is possible
that some of the faculty had doubts as to the wisdom of an anti-secret
group existing at Union. Similar difficulties were encountered at other
institutions and its seems that such might have been the case at Union.
This misunderstanding, plus the ill-will that had been aroused over
the question of a hall, resulted in the withdrawal in 1854 of all but
seven members of the chapter.
In spite of this defection the society continued to grow. Its mem-
bership averaged thirteen a year, a figure that would have been almost
twice as large were it not for the low enrollments of 1860, 1861 and
1862. At least four members of the classes of 1861, 1862 and 1863 saw
service in the Civil War, a fact that might lead one to believe that
military service did much to weaken the chapter and account for its
disappearance in 1863. And while these enlistments added nothing
to the strength of the chapter, they can not in themselves be advanced
as explanations for the death at Union. Once again the cause is to
be found within the internal structure of the chapter. During 1861
the society seems to have existed in name only. No representative was
sent to the Colby Convention of that year and it looked for a time as
though the society was about to die. Thanks, however, to the efforts
of Anthony W. Atwood and James Yates renewed vigor was shown.
A number of new members were gained, though it was most unfor-
tunate that most of these were recruited from the upper classes. Those
in the first two years soon found themselves ignored, possibly, so one
of our sources hints, because of their low scholastic standing. In any
event a cleavage grew up between the two groups which resulted in
the chapter having but few meetings. On top of this came the Sche-
nectady Convention of 1862 at which the Union Chapter had the op-
portunity of hearing Williams set forth its view on Fraternity policy.
The effect of this Convention seems to have been unfortunate for
Union. Instead of stimulating Fraternity spirit it actually created the
exact opposite. The younger members became warmly attached to the
idea of a separate organization, while the seniors, whose interest was
none too strong, stood out for a continuation of the existing society. To
Atwood this meant nothing more or less than a disruption of the chap-
ter, and in order to save it, he proposed the creation of a radical anti-
secret society. This of course meant a withdrawal from the Confedera-
tion and the founding of a new group upon the same principles that
had prompted Williams to secede. Atwood's suggestion gained for a
time the support of most of the chapter. So confident was he of the
future success of his plan that he actually informed Rutgers that all
20 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
but three of the chapter had joined with him in severing all connec-
tions with the Confederation. 14
Rutgers immediately wrote to Union asking for definite information.
To this request, Warren Schoonover replied that Atwood's statement
was quite misleading. That Atwood had tried to bring about the crea-
tion of a new society, Schoonover admitted, though, as he hastened to
add, the movement itself never reached maturity. On the other hand,
Schoonover frankly stated he was quite tired ol having to assume the
entire charge ol fraternity work and in view of the apathy of the otheis
he was convinced that the chapter might as well cease. The society,
however, did not expire. In fact it managed to keep itself alive until
the early summer of 1863. Schoonover's enthusiasm which had largely
been responsible for the continuation of the chapter, seems oil her to
have subsided or else to have lost its effects. 15 The result was that by
the fall of 1863 the Union Chapter of the Anti-Secret Con federal ion
was dead. Internal difficulties plus the effect of Williams' withdrawal
had been too much for the chapter to stand.
In the meantime the Middlebury Chapter was having troubles of its
own. The inception of this organization has been clouded with much
uncertainty. The Manual of Delta Upsilon for 1933 gives 1856 as the
year when a chapter was planted at Middlebury which is also the dale
as given in the Quinquennial. A recent article in the Quarterly, how-
ever points to an earlier date. 16 Turning to primary souices, one notes
that the earliest extant record of a chapter meeting at Middlebury is
for October, 1856. On the other hand the minutes of the Williams
Chapter show that a letter had been received from a Social Fraternity
which had been formed at Middlebury, March 22, i845. 17 Evidently
Williams answered this communication as in July of the same year the
Middlebury group is recorded in the Williams minute book as a branch
society. Further, this same entry states that Middlebury had adopted a
constitution, elected officers and had accepted a badge in the form of a
harp. Williams also seems to have notified Middiebury of the Scheneo
tady Convention of July 10, 1847, an d while there is no evidence avail-
M A. W. Atwood to Rutgers, Dec. 10, 1862.
15 Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Jan. 21, 1863, Schoonover to Rutgers, Jan. 19,
Feb. 15, June 19, 1863 Union ceased to exist as a chapter in 1863, though a few
of its members were in college until 1865. No meetings, however, seem to have
been held and no delegates were sent to the Convention of 1863. At ** meeting
Rutgers was asked to look into conditions at Union. Rutgers seems to have done
something as in 1864 Hamilton was instructed to refound Union; nothing, however,
was done; see Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1863, 1864.
* Quarterly, XXXVIII 1375 -377.
17 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, April 8, 1845,
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 21
able which records what groups were present it is possible that
Middlebury was in attendance. On the basis, therefore, of the Williams
record there is proof that a Social Fraternity, anti-secret in nature, ex-
isted at Middlebury from March, 1845, through the year 1847. In addi-
tion to this evidence there are the facts furnished by Guy Coolidge in
the Quartet ly, which already has been cited above. Coolidge demon-
strates rather convincingly that the inception of the Amherst Chapter
may be attributed in part to the efforts of Robert D. Miller who, though
of Amherst, had at one time been a student at Middlebury. Miller's
interest, according to Coolidge, in anti-secrecy at Amherst may well
have been the result of his experiences at Middlebury where in all
probability he had been a member of the Social Fraternity. More con-
vincing than this evidence is a record that exists in the personnel files
of the Middlebury Chapter. Here may be noted a statement written
and signed by Warren W. Winchester which reads as follows: "Joined
what was styled 'Ouden Adelon/ Anti-Secret Society in Middlebury
College about 1845 or 1846 8c I believe was admitted a member of D.
Ups. a few years ago." Here then.is the name of one who was a member
ol the Middlebury group which was alive from 1845 to 1847 and who
at a later date was made an honorary member of the Middlebury
Chapter.
In the light of the above evidence it would seem that Middlebury
should be listed as the third oldest chapter of Delta Upsilon. The fact
that it died and later was reestablished can not argue against its rank-
ing third, ior if this contention is valid then Williams, Union and
several others have no right to the rank they hold in the roll of the
chapters. Exactly what caused the disappearance of the Middlebury
group is not known; nor can any suppositions be advanced by way of
possible explanation. The death of the local society left the field there
entirely open to the secret fraternities which by the fall of 1856 domi-
nated student affairs and took unto themselves existing honors. Oppo-
sition to these practices centered in the elections of the Philomathean
Society, a literary organization that played an important role in college
life. Leaders of this protesting element seem to have been strongly anti-
secret in nature, though some of their followers may have joined the
movement because of their not having been pledged to one of the
Greek fraternities. One of the more prominent members of this group
was Loyal D. Eldredge who, in the fall of 1856, met at Bellows Falls a
member of the Amherst Chapter. As a result of this meeting, Eldredge
was encouraged to go ahead and propose to a select number the need
22 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of an anti-secret group at Middlebury. Those inteicstcd in these pro-
posals met October 3, 1856, and agreed to organize a counter society.
In the quaint but expressive words of an unknown secretary the event
was described as follows: "A few members of Middlebury College who
had long been ground under the oppression of the Secret Societies met
to form an Anti-Secret Confederation/' Rather dramatic speeches were
delivered, temporary officers chosen, committees appointed to draft a
constitution, procure badges and make plans for future meetings. Four
days later a document, presented by a committee on a constitution,
was adopted and signed by eight students. It was also voted that the
society be known as "Zeta Phi Fraternity of Middlebury College, an
Anti-Secret Confederation/' Election of officers took place October 13,
at which time a committee was appointed to visit the President of the
College and show "him our constitution and the names of our mem-
bers." Probably such a visit was made, though the minutes of the chap-
ter fail to record any further reference to the affair.
In the meantime contact had been established with Amherst and
Williams, both of whom expressed a willingness to accept Middlebury
as a member of the Confederation. Amherst, in accordance with the
existing provisions of the national constitution, acted as a committee
of investigation, although it is likely that the inquiries were made solely
by letter. On the basis of these findings, the Amherst Chapter sent a
letter to Williams endorsing the society at Middlebury, Similar com-
munications may have been forwarded to the other societies. In any
event there seems to have been no recorded opposition to Zeta Phi as
Daniel H. Rogan of Amherst visited Middlebury, November 13, 1856,
and installed the new chapter. The procedure was extremely simple
and devoid of any ritual. Rogan merely gave an account of the nature
of the anti-secret society at his own college, after which several speeches
seem to have been made. Following this, Zeta Phi voted that having
"applied to the Anti-Secret Confederation to become a member of the
same do cordially adopt the Preamble & Constitution of said corpora-
tion and will abide by the regulations as we understand them/' Rogan
then "cordially welcomed us a chapter of the A. S. C." At the general
Convention of 1857 Middlebury was presented by Eldredge who was
accepted by that body as an accredited member of the Confederation.
No convention vote was taken on the admission of Middlebury as the
constitution at that time did not demand such an action. Middlebury
was represented at the next four national gatherings but not at the
Convention of 1863. It was Middlebury, moreover, that pointed the
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 23
way in 1863 towards a more liberal attitude on the part of the Con-
federation in respect to its relation to the college fraternity world. 18
From a local angle, Middlebury laid great stress upon literary activi-
ties. The By-Laws of the society are crowded with reference to this
aspect of chapter life. These regulations also show that prior to her
affiliation with the Confederation non-members were not allowed to
attend meetings that concerned internal affairs. A door-keeper denied
admission to all who were unable to give a selected password. It is also
of interest to note that considerable care was taken in the election of
new members. And yet, in spite of this caution, internal disorder seems
to have developed. Although we are not informed as to the exact nature
of this disorder, the difficulty seems to have been bridged so much
that by the spring of 1863 Middlebury was able to inform Rutgers
that conditions were better than they had been for some time past.
Shortly thereafter the chapter dropped its old name, Zeta Phi, and
accepted Delta Upsilon as its title. 19
The Hamilton Chapter, fourth from point of view of origin, was
established July 21, 1847. Conditions were ripe at this college for the
founding of an anti-secret society, in so much as the existing fraternities
conducted student affairs m a manner that was not entirely open and
fair. Interestingly enough the first time the idea of an anti-secret society
at Hamilton appears is not at that college, but rather at Williams,
where the Social Fraternity voted to write "to some one in Hamilton
College favoring the forming of such a society." It is possible of course
that anti-secret ideas existed at Hamilton before Williams took this
action. Indeed Hamilton's delegate to the Convention of 1854 asserted
that opposition to the Greek letter fraternities had manifested itself
at Clinton before 1847. On the other hand contemporary evidence fails
to support this later statement so that we are compelled to conclude
that Williams deserves the credit for having first aroused student senti-
ment at Hamilton. To whom Williams addressed its communication is
not known, though it may have been to C. L. Adams, who is named by
David E. Elaine, in March, 1849, as having been the one who outlined
the ideals of anti-secrecy to a select group of Hamilton students. Elaine
also informs us that the earliest gathering of these men took place "in
the midnight darkness of that room (Charles Adams') " and that a
"few hesitating but earnest spirits gathered around an esteemed fc
serious counsellor. He had conceived an idea of vast import ... we
18 See below pp. 37-38. Middlebury was represented by Rochester at the 1863
Convention. Middlebury's motto for a time was Zetounen Phaos.
"Middlebury to Rutgers, April 17, 1863.
24 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
plighted our faith 8c sacred honor to enlist & stand together under the
banner of equity, fraternity & liberty; there we vowed the vows of anti-
secrecy." 20 Opposition to the practices of the existing fratci nines plus
the influence of the Williams Chapter resulted in the planting oi
Delta Upsilon at Hamilton.
It seems likely, therefore, that the first known meeting of the ftiencls
of anti-secrecy took place July si, 1847, though it was not until five
days later that a formal gathering was held. C. L. Adams, of the class
of 1847, presided over this assembly which was attended by three
juniors and six sophomores. 21 After considerable debate, in which
George Rumney insisted that conditions at Hamilton did not wairant
the founding of an anti-secret organization, it was voted by the othcis
to establish the Social Fraternity. "Pure moral character and cntiie and
conscientious opposition to Secret Societies," was necessary for mem-
bership in the society. Among those who took this stand was Milton
Waldo. Writing in 1909, Waldo stated that the Hamilton men had ic-
solved "fully not to organize . . . unless Williams and Union would
join us in an organic union of the three fraternities. We sent a com-
missioner who obtained from each of them unanimous official action,
pledging them to formal confederation with us. ... It was also agreed
that a Convention should be held as early as convenient after the open-
ing of the next college year, in the autumn of 1847, for completing the
Confederation." 22 This statement by Waldo is of decided interest us it
would tend to create the belief that Hamilton refused to found a local
society until Williams and Union agreed to an "organic union" oi the
three groups. Now it will be recalled that Hamilton did organize on
July 26, which was exactly sixteen days after the Schencctady Conven-
tion. Whether Hamilton knew of this meeting at the time of her
organization is not definitely established by the available sources. Wil-
liams, moreover, as is indicated elsewhere in this volume, was not pres-
ent at this meeting; a fact that does not coincide with the pledge given
to Hamilton's "commissioner." It is evident, therefore, that Waldo docs
not refer to this Convention. The tone of his statement, however, im-
plies that Hamilton's action forced Williams and Union to confederate
80 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, June 11, 1847, Records of the
Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1854, Address given by D. E. Blame, Mar. 29, 18.19,
Quinquennial f op. cit., p. 223.
31 For some unknown reason, Adams decided not to cooperate in the founding of
L he chapter. George Rumney refused to join because he believed that anti-secrecy
had no place at Hamilton, see Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton,
fuly 26, 1847.
22 Quarterly,
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 25
as was done at Troy in November of the same year. And yet Waldo
most certainly must have heard of the Schenectady gathering before the
Troy meeting as our evidence clearly establishes the fact that both
Williams and Union knew of the earlier meeting. Of this, however,
Waldo was quite in the dark when he wrote his communication to the
Quarterly in 1909. Anything like confederation was not gained at the
Schenectady meeting; rather it was established at Troy. On account of
this fact Waldo may well be pardoned for having foi gotten what he
probably knew of in the fall of i847* 23
No further gathering of the Hamilton group took place until Sep-
tember of the same year. At that meeting Waldo was chosen President,
Richard G. Keyes, Vice-President, Alfred Stowe, Secretary, Yates
Hickey, Corresponding Secretary, Augustus G. Gould and Stewart
Sheldon, Critics, and Hiram E. Johnson, Reader. Contact was also
established with Union and Amherst, both of whom sent congratula-
tory messages to the "sister society." Considerable interest was also
shown in the affairs of the Confederation by supporting the Troy meet-
ing and by advancing the idea of a common constitution and badge.
It was ably represented at this Convention as indeed it was at every
national gathering held from the date to the present, a record that
has not been equalled by any other chapter of the Fraternity. Hamilton
demonstrated considerable interest in expansion, in the development
of Fraternity policy, and in addition favored a more liberal attitude
towards the secret societies and was host to the national gathering of
1858. Although organized as the Social Fraternity it changed its title
in 1849 to the Equitable Fraternity which it retained until 1864 when
Delta Upsilon was accepted by all of the chapters.
During these years Hamilton grew in size and importance at home.
The chapter meetings, which were generally public in nature, were
held at a number of different places. The rooms of the various mem-
bers were frequently used, as was the home of a Mrs. Powell, who took
a kindly interest in the welfare of the group. The Assembly, Bell and
Senior Reception rooms were also used. In June, 1849 steps weie taken
towards the acquisition of a special room. Ultimately, space was as-
signed the chapter on the fourth floor of South Hall. The "Fraternity
Hall," as this room was called, became the home of the society from
November, 1849 to 1874. In its relation to the other societies, Hamilton
at first encountered some opposition. In 1848 the Greeks refused to
recognize their rival and would not insert their name and members in
a college catalogue which they published. Whereupon, the Hamilton
83 The Williams records make no mention of any Hamilton Commissioner.
26 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
group voted to issue a catalogue of its own, though it is not known
whether such was ever printed. The following year, the College Cata-
logue Committee agreed to allow the Hamilton Chapter space under
the caption "Secret Societies" with the sub-heading "A. S. G." Hamilton
refused to accept this offer, believing that the distinctive title "Equitable
Fraternity" should appear. Exactly what ultimately happened is not
known, though in time these differences, which seem of little impoi-
tance to us of today, were ironed out and relatively good relations were
established. It is also of interest to note that the Hamilton society de-
bated, though no decision was reached, as to whether it was contrary
to the basic law of the Fraternity, for the chapter to enter into com-
binations with the secret fraternities for the election of officers in the
various literary groups. The Hamilton Chapter did, however, resolve
that though it had the constitutional right to admit as members pci-
sons belonging to non-college secret societies, it was not "expedient to
exercise this power." 24
The last of the original five chapters of Delta Upsilon was Delta
Sigma of Amherst College. The first reference in respect to the incep-
tion of this society appears in the minutes of the Williams group which
evidently had received a letter from Amherst stating that an "anti-
secret society was to be formed and they wanted to be a branch of the
Social Fraternity." 25 Williams extended a most cordial welcome to this
overture and forwarded a copy of its constitution. After what seems to
have been a careful examination of this document, the Amherst men
on July 29, 1847, adopted, with some modifications the Preamble and
Constitution of the Williams Chapter. Robert D. Miller was chosen
President, George F. Walker, Recording Secretary, John Q. Pcabody,
Corresponding Secretary, Martin N. Root, Treasurer, Martin L. Gay-
lord and Charles Hartwell, Critics, and Elijah W. Sloddard as Reader.
A committee was appointed to go to Boston and inquire into the mat-
ter of a badge, while another body was instructed to gain from the
faculty permission to exist as a fraternity. 20 An examination of the
Amherst Faculty Minutes fails to reveal any indication that this com-
24 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, June 15, 1848, July 2, 1849.
^Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, July 20, 1847.
28 This last mentioned committee was also to ask for the use of rooms in South
College. The Amherst minutes record the election of a Mr. Severance as Vice-
President and the presence of H. A. Pratt, W. R. Palmer and a Mr. Kendall. On
Oct. 14, 1847 dismissals were granted to Severance and Pratt, a fact that doubtless
explains why their names do not appear as charter members in the Quinquennial
In the Quarterly, XV: 192 it is stated that the society's first name was Dikaia
Sunapha.
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 27
mittee approached that body. There is, however, a reference dated
June 30, 1847, which is approximately a month before the Amherst
society is supposed to have been organized. This entry records the re-
quest of Robert Miller and others for permission to form a society for
"literary improvement and the counter action in some measure of the
deleterious influence o secret societies 57 ; a request that the faculty
granted. It may well be that the secretary of the faculty made an error
and wrote June 30 instead of July 30, in which case the reference would
stand as a direct result of the action taken by the society on July 29.
On the other hand it is likely that Miller and his friends were actually
in process of organization at that time and pending news from Wil-
liams went ahead and gained faculty approval in advance. If this as-
sumption is true, one still has to explain why another committee was
appointed to interview the faculty in July. The explanation which
might be offered is that when the Amherst group actually did organize
on the basis of the Williams constitution, it was thought best to inform
the faculty of the fact and gain from them permission to exist on this
formal basis. In which case, as there was no important difference be-
tween the aims and ideals as expressed in June, the faculty took no
action, deeming their vote of approval in June sufficient. One other
line of thought should be considered. It will be recalled that reference
has been made to the fact that Miller had been a student at Middlebury
and quite likely had been a member of the Social Fraternity of that
college. Arriving at Amherst, Miller quite naturally sought to arouse
interest in the cause of anti-secrecy and recalling that the Middlebury
group had organized itself before contact had been made with Wil-
liams, saw no reason why a similar procedure should not be followed
at Amherst. This being true, faculty approval might well have been
sought in June and then when the society did become a branch of the
Williams Fraternity another petition was addressed to the faculty, who
for reasons already suggested took no action. Were the Amherst rec-
ords more definite or were the minutes of the Middlebury group avail-
able, this problem might be solved. In any event it seems quite certain
that Middlebury as well as Williams had a hand in the formation of
the Amherst Chapter.
Early in August, 1847, Amherst voted to style itself Delta Sigma and
at the same time adopted a number of by-laws. A badge, patterned
somewhat after the harp of Middlebury was also accepted, and cordial
relations were established with Williams. Whether Delta Sigma at-
tended the Schenectady Convention is not clearly established, though
28 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
there is no reason for thinking that it did not in view of the fact that
the society may have been formed sometime in June of the same year.
However, if July 29, 1847, is accepted as the date ol the inception of
the Amherst group, then clearly it could not have attended this gather-
ing. That such a meeting took place seems to be well established, unless
one is to assume that only Union was present in which case our sotu ccs
would hardly speak of a convention having been held at all. Since a
meeting was held and as Williams and Hamilton aic known not to
have been present, it would follow that Amherst was represented at
Schenectady. Amherst had delegates at the Troy Convention as well as
every other gathering until 1861. She did not attend that meeting for
the very simple reason that the chapter no longer existed. George E,
Hooker, in a sketch of the Amherst group in the Quinquennial, states
that the burning of North College and the destruction ol the effects of
the Amherst men did much to hasten the decline of that society. The
fire referred to occurred early in 1857, shortly before the convention of
that year which met at Amherst on May 13 and 14. At that gathenng
the Amherst delegates reported the accident but proudly stated that
their fifty members were determined to fit up a new hall as soon as
practicable. This is hardly the report of a chapter that had already gone
into decline; rather is it indicative of a group which was enthusiastic
about its past and determined to go forward with new life. Further, the
very fact that the convention was held at Amherst and that after the
fire, is added proof that the chapter had not lost strength. Indeed at the
Convention of 1858, the Amherst delegate reported the exact contrary
and spoke most encouragingly about the future. As complimentary a
statement was made at the gathering of 1859, at which time there were
thirty-six members in the chapter. The loss of the fraternity hall, while
most unfortunate, does not seem to have been a factor in the decline
and disappearance of Amherst.
In justice to Hooker, it should be stated that he lays greater stress
on other disintegrating forces. One of these concerns the Fraternity at
large which Hooker feels was "weak in those early days/' It is true
that there existed no governing boards at the time and that contacts
between the chapters were none too strong. Consequently when Am-
herst began to slump there was no assistance forthcoming from the
outside. Had there been help of this type, Amherst might not have
died. Hooker also assigns as the "deepest reason" the previous pros-
perity enjoyed by the chapter, that is, "new members had been readily
secured, and success in general had been easy. This worked, first an
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 29
indisposition, and second an incapacity to grapple with the difficulties
o such an emergency/' 27 As the chapter had never been compelled to
resort to the laborious and systematic work of the secret societies in
securing new members, there arose about this time quite a general
inclination to abandon altogether the campaign system and depend
principally upon the uninfluenced choice of new men. Thus disposed,
and unused to anything like a struggle, they were poorly "trained to
meet a disaster." It is likely that Hooker had an opportunity of talk-
ing with some of the members of 1859 and 1860 and consequently had
correct information. On the other hand, the reaction shown by the Am-
herst group to the fire indicated an attitude of mind not entirely in
accord with the tenor of Hooker's statements. A study of the sources at
hand reveals no lack of enthusiasm during the years 1857 to 1860. Ref-
erence is made, however, to an encounter which the chapter had with
the faculty, an encounter that had taken place in 1854 and 1855 anc *
which seems to have been successfully met. This event, therefore, could
hardly have done much to cause the chapter to expire some six years
later. While the Civil War may have cut down the enrollment at Am-
herst, none o those listed in the Quinquennial as belonging to the
classes of 1861 and 1862 left college for military service. It is true that
the size of the classes was much smaller than those of a few years before.
To accept, however, the Civil War as an explanation for the chapter's
decline seems altogether too simple to be true. Present investigation,
therefore, leaves the query as to why Amherst died in 1861 largely an
unsolved problem.
During its life Amherst appears to have been prominent in general
college affairs. Its literary and scholastic attainments won recognition
from both students and faculty. The latter generously allowed the
society to meet in South College and in the fall of 1850 gave it the
north-west corner room of North College. Further consideration was
shown in the summer of 1852 when the faculty voted that it was no
longer necessary for one of the chapter to occupy this space as a per-
manent room. 28 Two years later, however, a misunderstanding arose
between the faculty and the society. Up to this time the relations be-
tween the two seem to have been ideal, though in 1849 some discussion
had taken place in faculty meetings as to the secret societies. The ex-
press reference at that time to secret organizations shows that Delta
37 By emergency Hooker evidently had in mind the decline of the chapter; see
Quinquennial, op. cit. t pp. 254-256,
28 Minutes of Delta Sigma, Mar. 7, Aug. i, 1848, Oct. 8, 1849, May 27, 1850,
Minutes of the Amherst Faculty, May 29, 1850, July 7, 1852.
go DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Sigma was not frowned upon by the teaching staff, though the chapter or
a while thought that it was included in the faculty's condemnation. 20
The aims and ideals of Delta Sigma, however, do seem to have been
questioned during the winter of 1853-1854, so much so that the society
after much debate voted to ask the faculty for an expression of con-
fidence, failing which the society would disband. Resolutions contain-
ing these sentiments were unanimously carried in chapter meeting. A
copy, moreover, was given to the faculty, but this body alter some dis-
cussion refused to express any opinion. The President of the College,
however, was instructed by the faculty to issue any statement to Delta
Sigma that he saw fit. This he proceeded to do in the form of a letter
which greatly dampened the spirits of the society. Although no copy
of this communication has been found it is clear from other evidence
that Delta Sigma saw in it no prospects for the future. Accordingly,
there being "but one course for the society to take/' a committee was
appointed to devise means whereby the fraternity might dissolve itself.
News of this action soon reached the ears of the faculty, seven of whom
signed a communication to the society expressing the hope that all
thought of dissolution would be abandoned as they had complete con-
fidence in the principles and members of Delta Sigma. As a result of
this timely action, the chapter unanimously voted to continue and to
express appreciation to the faculty for their support. Exactly what
there was about the standards of the society that had caused the faculty
to look with concern upon Delta Sigma, or what the attitude of the
President of Amherst was, is not known. In any case, the issue was
peacefully solved and does not appear to have caused the death of the
chapter in i86i. 30
The loss of the Amherst Chapter was a serious blow to the Fraternity.
With Williams openly talking about secession, Western Reserve and
Wesleyan inactive, and Middlebury barely able to hold its own, the
future seemed none too bright. Colby, Rochester, Bowdoin and Rutgers
had entered the Fraternity, but none of these as yet were able to as-
39 Minutes of the Amherst Faculty, Sept. 13, 27, Oct. 3, 10, 1849.
80 Minutes of Delta Sigma, Feb. 28, Mar. 7, 14, 20, 1854, Minutes of the Amhcist
Faculty, Mar. 2, 9, May 10, 1854, Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon,
1854, Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 47. The Quarterly, I 10 gives an account of this
event that does not agree entirely with the facts gleaned from other sources. The
article does imply that the reason for the President's action existed in his acceptance
of membership in one of the secret fraternities. In a letter to Rutgers, Nov. 26,
1861, Williams stated "The Amherst Chapter ... is ... as dead as a dormouse.
The faculty of that college killed it I understand by their sympathy with secret
societies."
EARLY CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT 31
sume leadership. 31 In spite of these misfortunes and notwithstanding
the fact that the nation was plunging into the Civil War, the Fraternity
was able to hold together and lay the foundation for further growth
and strength.
31 See below pp. 100-113 for the record of all other chapters covered in this section
of this volume.
Chapter III
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862
EARLY ATTEMPTS AT UNIFICATION THE ARTICLES OF 1847 AND
1848 LATER REVISIONS AND GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS THE
SCHENECTADY AND TROY CONVENTIONS LATER MEETINGS AND
ACTIVITIES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMON NAME AND BADGE
WILLIAMS WITHDRAWS FROM THE CONFEDERATION
^-CONSOLIDATIONS of aims and interests among the anti-secret societies
^x began as early as 1840. Early in June of that year, the Equitable
Fraternity of Union College approached the Social Fraternity of Wil-
liams relative to a union of the two groups. Steps were immediately
undertaken with the result that a joint committee of both societies
submitted to each fraternity the draft of a common constitution. Cer-
tain obstacles, however, appear to have arisen which for the time being
checked any further progress. Williams, for some unknown reason,
became shy of a "union by constitution." In its place she proposed a
substitute plan which aimed at some degree of cooperation but which
fell short of actual union. It is to be regretted that our sources do not
throw more definite light upon these discussions which proved to have
had no tangible result. Shortly thereafter, for reasons stated elsewhere,
the Equitable Fraternity underwent a decline which led ultimately to
complete inactivity in 1841. Had there been greater vitality at Union,
the proposals of 1840 might have been pushed further. And had Wil-
liams extended a more willing hand the Union society might well
have weathered the crisis of 1840 and 1841. In any event the first move
towards consolidation was a failure.
By April of 1845, however, the idea of confederation received addi-
tional stimulus by the request of the Social Fraternity of Middlebury to
become a branch of the Williams society. The latter organization lost
no time in answering these overtures and by July of that year, the
Middlebury unit was an established branch of the Mother Chapter.
Four months later, a reorganized Union group expressed the desire to
become an auxiliary of Williams. Unfortunately, our records do not
reveal the outcome of this proposal, though it is known that Williams
32
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 33
did appoint a committee to confer with the Equitable Fraternity of
Union. The establishment of the Middlebury branch and the discus-
sion over an auxiliary at Union, however, showed a decided drift
towards greater consolidation. Two years later, 1847, further stimulus
was given by the creation of a branch society at Amherst and the
foundation of a group at Hamilton, both of which had come into being
in part as a result of assistance furnished by Williams.
In the meantime, Union had broached the idea of consolidation
once again. In this instance, which took place in June, 1847, Union
suggested that all of the anti-secret societies should meet at Schenectady
for the purpose of adopting a uniform badge, motto and constitution.
To this overture Williams after some discussion agreed and instructed
its secretary to inform Union of its decision. Communications were
also to be addressed to Hamilton and Middlebury telling them of the
forthcoming meeting. For some unknown reason the secretary seems
to have written only to Middlebury from whom, moreover, no reply
seems to have been received. As a result of this inefficiency Williams
took no part in the general meeting which was held at Schenectady in
June, i847, 32 Williams, however, was present at a Convention held at
Troy, New York, November 10, 1847. And here again, it was the
Equitable Fraternity of Union that took the steps which led to the
calling of this meeting. At this gathering the delegates accepted a
common constitution and styled themselves members of the Anti-
Secret Confederation.
This constitution, the first in the history of Delta Upsilon, violated
in no sense the ideals of the organizing groups. 33 Certain details, it is
true, caused some debate, but nothing was allowed to stand in the path
of consolidation. Hamilton, for example, argued for the insertion of a
clause denouncing secrecy as being "anti-christian," but waived this in
the face of opposition from the other societies. Again, decided differ-
ences of opinion were expressed as to common name and badge. How-
ever, when it was found that these matters might wreck the fundamental
purpose of the meeting, they were placed to one side for settlement at
some later meeting. The Articles of Confederation, as this constitution
was named, directed the joint efforts of the "Anti-Secret Societies of
Williams, Union, Amherst, and Hamilton Colleges" and were devised
"in order to secure greater unity, permanency and efficiency of effort."
33 See below pp 39-40 for a discussion of the meetings at Troy and Schenectady.
83 At the Schenectady Convention some type of a constitution seems to have been
adopted. No copy of this document has been found, for which reason that accepted
at Troy is listed as the first organic law of the fraternity.
34 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
The framers of this constitution held that secret societies were calcu-
lated to destroy college harmony and to create distinctions not based
on merit. "We believe/' so the Articles ran, "that the evils resulting
from secrecy" can best be suppressed by action combined with princi-
ple. "We would have no class of our fellow students invested with
factitious advantages, but would place all upon an equal footing in
running the race of honorable distinction. The only superiority which
we acknowledge is the superiority of merit. ... In doing this we arc
confident that we have at heart the best interests of the institutions to
which we belong, and that we are directed by the light of experience,
the suggestion of reason and the dictates of conscience/'
The actual clauses of the- constitution, which were generously lifted
from that of the Williams group, amounted to little more than a state-
ment of the structure and powers of the separate chapters of the Con-
federation. Provision was made for the election of local officers, the
admission of persons who "habitually practice strict morality" and who
did not believe in or were members of a college secret society, and for
the expulsion of those who might violate the principles of anti-secrecy.
Attendance at all meetings and the fulfillment of all fraternity duties
were required of all, who were also to take the following pledge: "You
affirm upon your honor that the principles of this society, as expressed
in its Preamble and Constitution accord entirely with your views; and
you pledge yourself faithfully to adhere to them/'
It is to be noted that these Articles in no way provided for more
than a mere Confederation. No general governing body or officers were
created to direct the life of the association. Local college groups, hav-
ing denounced secrecy, retained complete independence and sover-
eignty. The only exception to this was a provision in favor of a "con-
vention of delegates from the several chapters," and to this convention
no power was given other than that of amendment. Beyond this rather
harmless gathering, no superstructure was founded. The various socie-
ties pledged themselves to no central or federal form of government.
Theirs was a union of equal sovereign chapters united by one common
principle and purpose, and grouped under the loosest type of a con-
stitution, the Articles of Confederation.
These Articles, however, were entirely abolished by the Albany
Convention of 1848. In their place a new constitution was adopted
which amounted, in the main, to a reenactment of the previous organic
law plus some notable additions. In the first place, instead of a consti-
tution largely designed for the direction of chapter government, an
attempt was made towards greater centralization without destroying
WILLIAMS COLLEGE IN 184O
PRESIDENT GARFIELD AS A STUDENT AT WILLIAMS
JAMES A GARFIELD
WILLIAMS '56
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
WILLIAM BROSS
WILLIAMS '38
EDITOR OF CHICAGO TRIBUNE
REDFIELD PROCTOR
MIDDLEBURY
U S SENATOR FROM VERMONT
DANIEL S, LAMONT
UNION '72
SECRETARY OF WAR
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 35
the idea of confederation. Where the Articles of 1847 read: "This
Society shall be called the of college," those for 1848 read:
"This Association shall be called the Anti-Secret Confederation and
shall consist of the Theta Phi Societies of Williams, Union, Amherst
and Hamilton." In other words, where the law of 1847 had placed em-
phasis upon the chapters, here at least was a gesture in the direction
of a general fraternity. Again, it is of interest to note the name Theta
Phi. Should this be viewed as a common Greek title for all of the
chapters? If so, then it reveals a name much earlier than Delta Upsilon.
In support of this contention, however, no other evidence has been
brought to light. Consequently, the fact of there having been an earlier
name common to all the chapters should not be over-emphasized. In
the second place the Articles of 1848 provided for growth and expan-
sion by the insertion of a clause that read: "any number of individuals,
members of colleges, forming themselves into a society and adopting
our name and constitution may upon application to any member of
the Confederation, the others assenting, be received into the Confedera-
tion." Although this clause lacks an enabling device, the meaning is
clear, namely that a petitioning group might be admitted by vote of
all the chapters; no action of the convention being required. Admit-
tance, therefore, might take place at any time. Finally, it should be
noted that provision was made for the election of convention officers.
Beyond these changes no material alterations were made. The Consti-
tution of 1848, therefore, was largely a reissue of the previous docu-
ment. In view, however, of the shift in emphasis from a local to a na-
tional point of view, the Articles of 1848 should be considered as our
second organic law.
No material changes, if any, took place until 1852. At that time it
was decided to have conventions every other year. Further, more ade-
quate machinery was adopted relative to the admission of petitioning
groups. The procedure which was then accepted called for an investi-
gation of the petitioning group by a committee appointed by the Con-
vention President from the nearby chapters. This committee was to
make a report to each chapter which in turn was to vote for or against
admission and forward its action to the Fraternity President who was
to notify the petitioning society of the result. No society was to be
admitted except by the unanimous consent of all the chapters; no ac-
tion by the convention being needed. 34 Two years later, however, the
convention altered this feature so as to allow admission upon a three-
fourths vote of the chapters. And once again, no action of the conven-
84 The President referred to was chosen by the Convention for one year.
3 6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
tion was required. At the same time provision was made for the elec-
tion of honorary members by each chapter, provided the principles of
these men accorded with those of the association. In 1857, this clause
was removed from the Articles by the delegates assembled at Amherst.
Other changes also took place at that time, the most important being
one that called for annual instead of biennial conventions, which had
been the rule since 1852. In 1858, the convention altered the Articles
so as to allow the Convention Secretary to receive all requests from
organizations seeking admission into the Confederation. 35 At this
gathering it was also agreed that all convention officers excepting the
secretary were to be chosen from the alumni of the Fraternity. This
last provision is of interest in that it pointed the way towards a more
mature concept as to what the Fraternity really was, namely a body of
alumni and undergraduate members.
This emphasis upon graduate members was not retained by the
Convention of 1859. Further, this assembly provided after much debate
that conventions should be held once in two years, thus going back to
the practice adopted in 1854. In view of this new procedure it was
necessary to make provision for the admission of chapters during a
non-convention year. The former document actually permitted en-
trance at any time, but the delegates were of the opinion that a more
definite provision ought to exist. After prolonged debate it was deter-
mined to allow the three oldest chapters, Williams, Union and Am-
herst, to admit new chapters; subject, however, to the approval of the
next convention. This was the first time that the power to accept new
societies was lodged in the hands of the general assembly and marks a
definite drift towards greater centralization. It should also be noted
that since a majority of the chapters constituted a quorum in conven-
tion, a unanimous vote of all the chapters was not required. At the
1859 meeting, moreover, considerable discussion took place as to the
qualifications for membership in each chapter. The constitutions of
1847 and 1848 had stipulated that no persons could be admitted who
did not "habitually" practice "strict morality" and who would not
avow "conscientious and entire opposition to the principle of Secret
Associations in colleges." Any candidate who measured up to these
requirements might be voted into a chapter by three-fourths of its
members, provided the candidate took the required pledge. 30 Now
Amherst, it appears, desired the elimination of the clause quoted above
35 This interpretation rests upon the omission of section 2, Article II of the
former document.
88 See above p. 34 for this pledge.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 37
on the ground that it was altogether too strict and because it hindered
them from obtaining worthy members. Rochester supported this posi-
tion but Williams took decided exception, declaring great surprise at
the proposal and stating that it had always had trouble in keeping the
society "pure even when endeavoring to live up" to the clause in ques-
tion. Other chapters affirmed that the change would destroy the very
principles of the Fraternity and would throw the door wide open to
the secret societies. In the face of this opposition Amherst's proposal
was voted down. 37 It should be observed, however, that Amherst had
acted in a sincere manner; had proposed no alteration as to the pledge
or as to the required three-fourths vote, and upon being defeated
graciously accepted the decision of the majority.
No echo of this much debated matter took place at the Colby meet-
ing in 1861. This gathering, however, did spend much time talking
over general fraternity problems and ruled that the Articles conferred
no power upon either the Confederation or the chapters to grant a dis-
missal to a graduate member. Other affairs, such as annual conven-
tions, were postponed to the next general meeting on account of the
small number of chapters present at Colby.
The Union Convention of 1862 proved to be a most memorable one
in that it witnessed the withdrawal of the Williams Chapter from the
Confederation. Williams was allowed to withdraw because she desired
to, on the ground that the cause of anti-secrecy had been weakened by
the action of certain chapters in admitting members who did not meet
the standards required by the association; at least this was what Wil-
liams charged. 38 In other words, certain chapters possibly Amherst and
Rochester still adhered to the position they had taken in 1859 in re-
spect to qualifications for membership in the Fraternity. The position
taken by these societies was simply that the existing qualifications were
altogether too strict and prevented the pledging of men who might be
of great value to the Fraternity. This sentiment was voiced quite loudly
at Rochester in 1863, notably by the Middlebury delegation.
The Middlebury Chapter, it seems, introduced through its repre-
sentatives at this Convention the following resolution which in the
words of Frank S. Child "reveal the drift of the Confederation and
therefore are of great historic value":
87 The Convention voted to allow an honorable dismissal by a chapter to any
active member in good standing upon a two- thirds vote. The documents for 1847
and 1848 by implication had required a unanimous vote, as they also had for
expulsion.
88 See below pp. 47-51 for a more detailed statement. At the 1862 meeting the
constitution was changed so as to provide for annual conventions.
3 8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Whereas, we the Anti-Secret Society of Middlebury College, have
found in our experience, that persons in all respects worthy and desir-
able candidates for admission to our Fraternity are unable to subscribe
to the last clause of Section i of Article II of our Constitution (which
reads: 'or who does not avow conscientious and entire opposition to
the principles of secret societies in college') such persons being, at the
beginning of their college course, unable to form such an opinion con-
cerning college secret societies as or there implied: and
Whereas, we have been subject to injury and failure of valuable
additions by said clause: and
Whereas, we honestly believe that the noble purpose of our Con-
federation will be sufficiently served by the first part of the above-
mentioned section; "No person shall be admitted a member of this
Society who does not habitually practice strict morality, who belongs
to or countenances any College Secret Society," therefore,
Resolved, That we earnestly request our respected Confederation to
consider whether the striking out the said clause may not be of vital
importance to the good cause in which we labor.
These resolves clearly indicate a more liberal note. And with Williams
no longer a member to contend against this growing sentiment, the
Convention of 1863 after some debate adopted the resolutions and
struck from the Articles that part of the organic law that had served
so well during the early years of the Confederation.
The Rochester Convention also provided for the submission to the
chapters an amendment which read as follows: "This Constitution may
be amended by a unanimous vote of the delegates present at any con-
vention, or a sufficient number to constitute a two-thirds majority of
all the chapters." 39 This proposal ran counter to the existing clause
which called for a "two-thirds vote of a convention of delegates from
the several chapters, each chapter having one vote." No action, how-
ever, was ever taken upon this amendment largely because at the Con-
vention of 1864 a thorough revision of the Articles took place; so
thorough indeed that it should be viewed as a new constitution.
Down to 1864, therefore, the Articles of 1847 and 1848 constituted
the basic law of the Fraternity. Certain amendments of importance, as
have been noted, were enacted during these years; all of which char-
acterized three main tendencies. First, that a steady growth in favor of
anti-secrecy had taken place in a number of colleges and universities.
Second, that a decided drift towards greater centralization had shown
itself in the election of general fraternity officers and above all in the
clothing of the Convention with certain general and specific governing
88 Several minor changes were ordered concerning the general officers of the
Fraternity, all of whom were to be chosen by the convention.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 , 39
powers. Finally, that a definite liberal note had been struck by the
attitude of the Fraternity in the admission of members.
These various characteristics are clearly shown by a study of the
conventions that were held from 1847 to l86 3 inclusive. Now the list
of these meetings as given in the Quinquennial records that the first
general Fraternity convention was held in November, 1847. And Y et
this same source contains a copy of a letter from Williams to Hamilton
which reads in part as follows: 40
With respect to the convention at Union it was judged very desirable
both for the advantage which might be expected to accrue from the
better acquaintance of the members, and for the moral power which
we should gain from some kind of a union. But owing to some mis-
understanding between ourselves and the society at Middlebury Col-
lege, our delegation was not present at the convention which was held
on the loth of July. We have not heard officially the doings of that
convention, but from a private letter we understand that they adopted
the constitution of the society here in the main; if so, then we have a
common constitution. With respect to a common name we are not
informed of the convention's action.
On the basis of this evidence it would appear that the earliest con-
vention was one held at Schenectady, July 10, 1847. Substantiating
this proof is an item in the minutes of the Williams Chapter which
refers to a letter received from "Madison University." In this letter
there is a statement relative to the Schenectady meeting, though, no
information is given as to the nature of this gathering. 41 In the light
of these findings it seems safe to assume that a convention was held at
Schenectady, July 10, 1847. Williams, as is pointed out above, was not
present at this gathering, while Hamilton, as yet not founded, was of
course not represented. The only groups, therefore, that could have
attended were Union, Amherst and Middlebury. None of our sources
state definitely who were present at this gathering. In view, however,
of the fact that a convention was held, and since one can hardly argue
that the Union Chapter was in itself the entire convention, it seems
reasonable to state that Union and Amherst, and probably Middle-
bury, constituted the societies present at this gathering. At this meeting
some type of a constitution was drafted. Discussion also took place
relative to a common badge. Beyond this nothing more is known as
to the activities of this convention.
40 Quinquennial, op. cit. f p. 100.
41 What may be meant by "Madison University" is unknown,* maybe it should
have read "Hamilton," the secretary confusing Madison (Colgate) with Hamilton.
See Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams.
40 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Knowledge that a meeting had been held and that certain matters
had been left undecided argued most strongly for another gathering.
Early in October, therefore, Union wrote to the various societies pro-
posing a meeting to arrange for a general catalogue of the anti-secret
groups and to modify the local constitutions in the interest of greater
uniformity and structure. Hamilton, as has been shown, had declared
itself in favor of organic consolidation and had intimated that no
society would be founded on that campus unless such a national organ-
ization was established. At least this is what Milton Waldo stated in
1909, although the minutes of the Hamilton Chapter clearly show
that a Social Fraternity, anti-secret in nature, had been started by July,
1847. Waldo also stated in 1909 that the convention was held at
Albany, while the contemporary sources all agree that it was at Troy.
At this meeting, which assembled November 10, 1847, ^ ae Articles ol
Confederation, already discussed in this chapter, were adopted. The
officers of this meeting seem to have been limited to a president and a
secretary; and of these two only the name of the first is known, that
being Waldo of the Hamilton Chapter. Although this office can not
accurately be said to have been the ancestor of the Fraternity's chief
executive of today, it may be stated that in the list of the Fraternity's
presidents that of Waldo's should be placed first. 42
In accordance with the Articles of 1847 steps were taken in the
spring of the following year for another general meeting. Corre-
spondence ensued between the chapters as to the date and as to
whether it would be possible to adopt a common name and badge.
In consequence of these efforts delegates from Williams, Union,
Amherst and Hamilton, assembled at the Delevan House in Albany,
on either May 3 or 4, 1848. It was evident to all that the Troy consti-
tution needed considerable alteration and to this task the members, as
has been shown, devoted much time and labor. Discussion also took
place as to a name and badge, but so sharp were the differences over
these matters that it was decided to leave them for consideration to a
later meeting.
Meetings, therefore, had taken place in both 1847 and 1848, a
precedent which developed into the practice of holding annual con-
ventions. Yearly gatherings, however, were not always held. At times,
as has been shown, meetings were held every other year, though annual
sessions seem to have been far more general. Further, as may be seen
from the lists of the conventions, the gathering arranged for 1856
42 Quarterly, XXVIII^. It may be that Waldo was thinking of the meeting of
1848 which was held at Albany.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 41
actually took place in 1857, while the meeting in 1862 was understood
to be "an extra" convention. With the exception of the 1849 gathering,
more or less complete records are available and from these one may
note the following material.
Williams, it appears, was in attendance at every convention except
that of July, 1847, down to her withdrawal in 1862. Union had dele-
gates at all of the meetings except for 1857, 1858, and 1861. Hamilton,
on the other hand, was present at every gathering except that for July,
1847; while Amherst had representatives at every session up to 1861.
Western Reserve was not present at any of the conventions with the
possible exception of that of 1851. Rochester was represented from
1854 to 1863 except for the year 1861; Colby, from 1857 to 1863;
Middlebury for July, 1847 and for every other from 1857; Rutgers, for
the sessions from 1859; while Bowdoin, and Washington and Jefferson
were present only at the 1859 and 1862 meetings respectively. It is
evident that several of the last named chapters could not have attended
the earlier conventions for the simple reason that they were not then
members of the Confederation.
Turning from the list of the chapters present to the number of
delegates in attendance, it is to be noted that the number varied from
as low as five in 1861 to as high as fourteen in 1862, with two delegates
from each chapter being the most common unit of representation.
From a study of the names of these delegates, it is apparent that the
four senior chapters played the more important role and thanks to
their efforts expansion took place into the above-mentioned colleges.
Middlebury, on the other hand, expire^ sometime late in 1847, while
a similar fate attended the society at Wesleyan which operated from
the fall of 1850 to the early summer of 1852. In the meantime, chapters
were planted at Vermont and Western Reserve, the former withdraw-
ing from the Confederation in 1854, the latter becoming inactive three
years later. Colby and Rochester were admitted in 1852 and 1853, with
Middlebury coming back to life in May, 1857. Bowdoin and Rutgers
were voted charters in July, 1859, as was Washington and Jefferson
in 1862. Of these additions only Rochester, Colby and Rutgers could
be classed as alert and aggressive groups in 1863, though the chapter
roll in that year showed societies with Union and Hamilton ranking as
senior chapters.
For a time there was a prospect that a group would be established
at Hobart College. Early in 1856 anti-secret sentiment appeared on
that campus news of which seems to have reached Williams. Williams
showed decided interest in Hobart as may be seen from an examination
42 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of her records. In one instance there is a statement to "the chapter
recently formed at Hobart," while in another there is a reference to
certain letters from the "brethren at Rochester . . . Amherst and
Hobart." These entries, however, should not be interpreted to mean
that Hobart had become a member of the Confederation, as the Articles
definitely provided a method of admission which at no time seems to
have been followed in respect to Hobart. Williams' interest, however,
was responsible for an investigation of the society, an investigation,
moreover, which may have gained from that chapter her consent to the
founding of a chapter at Hobart. It is known that correspondence
between the two groups took place, though no definite knowledge as
to the nature of these communications exists. So convinced was
Williams that Hobart would be acceptable to the other chapters that
in editing the general catalogue of the Confederation for 1856, she
included within the chapter roll, the Equitable Fraternity of Hobart
College, with classes as late as 1860. When Herbert W. Congdon
encountered this interesting data in January, 1921, he wrote directly
to the Librarian of Hobart College for information. In reply he heard
that the first issue of the Hobart's student annual, Echo of the Seneca,
which was published in June, 1858, contained among the list o
fraternities, the Anti-Secret Society, an Equitable Fraternity. This
annual stated that the society had been founded at Hobart in 1856
and that its members included Jefferson M. Fox and F. J. O'Brien of
the class of 1859, and John Alabaster, Octavious Applegate, Charles
L. Bering, John Easton and George A. Hayunga of the class of 1860.
Similar information appeared in the 1859 edition of the Echo of the
Seneca. These names are all listed in the catalogue of the Anti-Secret
Confederation for 1856 together with the names of Frank Angcvine,
T. M. Ballintine, J. C. O'Brien, Burnet Estes, all of the class of 1856;
John M. Fulton, Hazard Potter, William Reiterman, Fayette Royce,
Nathan Teall, of the class of i857. 43
It is evident, therefore, that opinion at Hobart and at Williams
recognized the existence of the Equitable Fraternity. On the other
hand some of the chapters were not so enthusiastic about the affair as
was Williams. Investigation on their part revealed that the Hobart
men on their "own admission" were "immoral"; for this reason the
Convention of 1859 denied a charter to the Hobart group. The value
of this digression consists not so much in showing that there was a peti-
tioning society at Hobart but rather in the method adopted by the
43 H. W. Congdon to M. H. Turk, Jan. 26, 28, 1921, M. H. Turk to Congdon,
Jan. 25, 1921.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 43
members of the Confederation in dealing with the matter. An inquiry,
in short, showed that this group did not measure up to the standards of
the Fraternity; consequently, they were not accepted as a chapter of the
Confederation even though Hobart for a time believed that it was
within the Fraternity on account of the favorable attitude taken by
Williams.
In addition to these successful and unsuccessful ventures in expan-
sion, the Conventions undertook, as has been seen, a development of
the Articles in the interest of greater centralization. A series of cata-
logues, moreover, containing a list of the chapters and their members
were issued at various times and in 1863 the Convention voted to
publish a song-book under the direction of the Rochester Chapter.
Some discussion also took place at these meetings relative to a "peri-
odical," although for the time being nothing was accomplished. At
some of the conventions, orations and addresses were given setting
forth the aims, purposes and history of the Fraternity. Rules were also
laid down as to the order of business at these gatherings, and a minute
book was purchased to record the transactions of the delegates. Pro-
vision was made for greater internal development by the creation of
a so-called "prudential committee" whose duty was to watch over the
life and conduct of each chapter. Increased cooperation between the
various societies was furthered by the issuing of membership certificates,
by providing for active inter-chapter correspondence, by inquiries into
the cause of non-attendance at conventions and by yearly reports from
each chapter. These reports were to be delivered on the convention
floor and are of especial interest in that they reflect the general tenor
of chapter life. A large number of resolutions were also passed empha-
sizing the principles of anti-secrecy and affirming devotion to the
Confederation. In respect to secret societies, other than those with a
permanent organization, each chapter was allowed to use its own dis-
cretion as to conduct and relation. Whether this referred to local secret
groups or to professional fraternities like Phi Beta Kappa or the
Masonic order, is not clear from the evidence available; though it
seems reasonable to assume that the delegates had the latter rather
than the former in mind. The conventions also placed considerable
stress on the idea that the Fraternity was a brotherhood of both under-
graduates and graduates and urged the latter to attend both the
national and local meetings. Finally, it should be noted that at these
conventions, the time and place of each subsequent meeting was
generally fixed, with university or college towns being favored in most
cases. The meeting for 1859, for example, was held at Springfield,
44 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Massachusetts. In speaking o this gathering a local paper reported,
"It is a noticeable fact that the constitution of this association allows
none to be received as members who are not in the practice o strict
morality, which is more than can be said of the best college societies." 44
Looking at the activities of these meetings from the present point
of view, one is impressed by the earnestness and sincerity demonstrated
by the delegates. An honest attempt was being made to cement the
association into a permanent and worthwhile organization. Unfortu-
nately, for the historian, these facts seemed so evident to the actors of
that date, that no complete record has been left for us of today. To
them, other matters assumed greater importance, and of these our
sources have more to tell, among which should be noted the question
of a common name, motto and badge.
"The Williams Social Fraternity of 1834 felt no need for a common
badge. . . . Principles, without any outward symbols, bound the hearts
of our Fraternity's earliest members in the strongest friendship." 45
The wearing of a badge, moreover, smacked strongly of secrecy and
was viewed by college authorities of that day as dangerous to the aims
and ideals of their institutions. Within a few years, however, certain
members of the Williams group argued that the wearing of a badge
representing opposition to secrecy could not be considered in hostile
light by either the Fraternity or college. Further, such an emblem
would bring about a greater feeling of loyalty among the members of
the Social Fraternity. These views seem to have been expressed as early
as 1837 with the result that the society adopted a square golden key as
the badge of the Fraternity. On one side of this key were the words
"Social Fraternity," and on the other the motto Qvdev A^Xo^.
Within a few years, however, voices were raised in opposition to this
key, chiefly by the undergraduates; the alumni largely supporting the
badge they had worn while in college. Some sentiment existed in favor
of a badge made in the form of a harp, and in this one may note the
influence of the Middlebury group, whose badge was a harp. These
various views finally resulted, in 1847, * n the adoption of a new badge
in the form of a pin. This pin bore the letters S. F., which stood for
the Social Fraternity.
In the meantime, Middlebury had adopted a harp as its badge.
Amherst patterned its emblem along similar lines bearing the letters
"Springfield Republican, July 9, 1859; see also H. C. Haskell to Rutgers, Tune 10
1859* J
the article by J. A. Adair in the quinquennial, op. cit. f pp. 96-106 from
which much had been borrowed.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 45
Delta Sigma, the date 1847 and the name of the owner. A decade
earlier, Union had accepted a badge bearing the letters O. A., but in
1847 adopted a key-badge somewhat different in style than that recently
voted by Williams. Union had favored the Williams pin and would
have endorsed it but for the fact that a local secret society at Union
had a pin very much like that worn at Williams. Hamilton about the
same time adopted the old Williams key. On the eve of the Troy
Convention, therefore, two of the five anti-secret groups had harps,
two had pins, while another had a key. Each one of these societies
appear to have been rather enthusiastic about its own badge, a fact
which Williams believed would make it very difficult to preserve "the
same external representation of our principles." In this opinion,
Williams was quite correct as the Troy gathering adjourned without
reaching any conclusion as to a common badge.
Considerable discussion relative to a badge took place among the
several groups in anticipation of the next convention. Hamilton, after
some debate, instructed its delegate to favor the harp as a common
badge; Amherst and Williams did not see fit to bind their representa-
tives; Union went on record as favoring a harp; while Middlebury took
no action, this group having ceased to exist by this time. Both types,
harp and key, were discussed at great length at the 1848 Convention
but no decision could be reached. Reports of this meeting, however,
were carried back to the local societies who immediately made it the
topic of primary debate and discussion. Considerable correspondence
also seems to have taken place between the four chapters in which the
arguments for and against the various badges were presented in much
detail. Williams tried to find a way out of the tangle by submitting a
new model of a key; but the other groups would have none of it.
Whereupon, Williams voted, June 27, 1848, sixty-six to six in favor of
a pin known as the Theta Phi pin. Information concerning this deci-
sion was then sent on to Hamilton, but this organization rejected this
pin as well as certain models that Amherst and Union had submitted,
and stood out for the adoption of a key. Early in October, 1848,
Hamilton sought to bring about a compromise by proposing "an
English letter badge." In other words this chapter opposed any badge
bearing Greek letters on the ground that such a badge was too much
like the emblems of the secret societies. Amherst, at the same time,
expressed a strong preference for the Theta Phi pin, though it an-
nounced a willingness to abide by the action of the convention. Union,
on the other hand, leaned towards a key.
In view of these differing views, it was agreed by all that each society
46 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
should express its preferences and make known the result to each
other. In this way, it was hoped, that some common ground might be
reached. Hamilton, it seems, remained true to her position which
favored an English letter badge, but declared that the Theta Phi pin
was the least objectionable of all the others proposed. Union stood
out for Delta Sigma with Delta Psi as a second choice. Amherst
reported that she was willing to accept the findings of the convention,
while Williams declared in favor of Delta Psi, with Theta Phi and
Delta Sigma as second and third choices. In the face of these conflict-
ing reports it was evident that no common ground had been reached.
In order to cut this knot, Isaac G. Ogden of Williams proposed to
the other groups that so far as his chapter was concerned, Delta Psi
and Delta Sigma were out of the question as both of these badges had
been found worn by certain secret fraternity men. Now Ogden was
chairman of the badge committee and this statement, together with
the expressed direction that each group should make a decision between
Theta Phi and the Union key, was bound to hurry action. The
response was a promise from each society to abide by the action of the
majority which was expressed at Albany in May, 1849 in favor of the
Union key. This badge was somewhat similar to the old golden key of
Williams and bore the letters A. S. C. In adopting this key, therefore,
the chapters at the same time accepted as their common name the
title Anti-Secret Confederation, a name that was used until i864. 4C
Before this date, however, the Delta Psi Fraternity of Vermont had
entered the Confederation and at the 1852 Convention had stood out
for a retention of its own local badge. The other chapters while
regretting this position were willing for the sake of unity to amend the
Articles so as to allow Vermont to keep its badge until such time as it
might vote to adopt the key of the Confederation.
During the next four years following the Convention of 1852 no
change took place in the form of the badge, although voices were
raised now and then in favor of a pin. At the 1857 gathering, Alvin
Baker of Hamilton brought the matter before the delegates by moving
the adoption of a pin. Much debate followed, during the course of
which it was voted that each chapter would abide by the ultimate
decision of the convention. Baker's motion was then put with the
result that Amherst, Hamilton, Rochester and Middlebury voted for
the pin, while Williams and Colby voted against it. The convention
having agreed to a pin, it now remained to decide upon the exact form
49 The revisions of the Articles in 1851 and 1853 recognized the existence o a
common name and badge.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 47
and so a committee was appointed to bring before the assembly several
different models. This committee reported in favor of the Middlebury
badge but a motion to adopt it was laid on the table. Later in the
same session the matter was taken up again at which time Colby
declared that it could not accept the Middlebury pin as it was too
much like the badge of an "odious" society on their campus. Other
views were expressed with the result that the entire affair was referred
to another committee which was to report at the next convention.
In the meantime the key was to remain as the official badge of the
Fraternity.
The following year, 1858, Edward P. Gardner of Amherst, as chair-
man of the badge committee, introduced the question at the conven-
tion. At first he tried to obtain a unanimous vote to the effect that
each chapter would accept the decision of the majority. Williams,
however, objected to this; whereupon, Gardner presented a majority
report in favor of a pin formed of the Greek letters Delta and Upsilon.
Painter of Williams, also of the committee, then followed with a
minority report which favored a key. Both of these reports were
accepted, but the discussion which followed showed dearly that senti-
ment favored the adoption of the Delta Upsilon pin. Finally on the
evening of May 13, 1858, the Delta Upsilon pin, together with the
motto, "Justice our Foundation," was adopted by the convention.
Williams voted for this pin but reserved the right to use the key as long
as her members desired. To have objected to Williams' reservation
would have been unwise after that chapter had given its consent to
the new pin. Further, there was precedent for this exception in the
courtesy that had been accorded Vermont in 1852. The action, more-
over, of the Williams delegates was warmly endorsed by that chapter
in July, 1848. Whether Williams changed its position before its with-
drawal from the Confederation is not known. Later, however, when
Delta Upsilon was reestablished at Williams, the chapter accepted the
existing pin and motto of the Fraternity.
The prolonged dispute that had arisen over the nature of the badge
and name can hardly be advanced as a reason for Williams' withdrawal
from the Confederation. There is not the slightest bit of evidence in
any of the sources that the Mother Chapter ever harbored any ill-will
over the adoption of the general pin in 1858. On the other hand there
is convincing proof that the group was more than displeased with the
way fraternity policy and sentiment was moving. In brief, Williams
had become alarmed over the attitude and practice of some of the
chapters in respect to secrecy. Not that any of these groups argued
48 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
for a change in the fundamental tenet of the Confederation, namely
anti-secrecy, but rather that they desired a more liberal interpretation
of the organic law. Amherst's proposal in 1859 that the existing quali-
fications for membership be altered may be cited as an example of
what Williams disliked. Coming as it did immediately after the Con-
vention of 1858, at which time considerable discussion had taken place
as to the tactics of some of the chapters in respect to campus activities,
Williams became convinced that a decided drift away from the earlier
practices of the Confederation was in process. Specifically, Williams
contended that in some cases chapter meetings had become private
affairs; a procedure which was altogether too much like the policy of
the secret societies to be tolerated. Again, it charged that some of the
chapters were electioneering for members in a manner that was con-
trary to the ideals of the Fraternity and that it was quite wrong for
any chapter to form counter coalitions to defeat the efforts of the secret
fraternities. Although explanations were offered and in some cases
frank denials of these charges were made, Williams refused to be
convinced that everything was as it should be. When practices of these
types appeared at Williams, the chapter rectified the matter at once.
Consequently, that society could see no reason why her sister organiza-
tions could not be as circumspect in observing both the spirit and the
letter of the constitution.
Inter-chapter correspondence only served to bolster up Williams in
the righteousness of her position. Vocal protests were raised at her
chapter meetings against the action of other societies with the result
that in due time the suggestion was openly made that Williams should
sever her connections with the Confederation. Ultimately on June 11,
1861 a motion was passed to the effect that the chapter should ask for
a dismissal from the Confederation. Shortly thereafter a circular letter
was addressed to all of the chapters in which Williams outlined her
position. In view of the importance that was attached to the event
then and now, it may not be amiss to quote the letter in its entirety.
It reads as follows: 47
The Williams Chapter of the Anti-Secret Confederation has always
held some principles which it considers important and essential, but
which are disregarded by several of the chapters.
It believes that no organization is needed for the cultivation of Social
qualities, and that the highest social state of any community is secured
by the free and friendly intercourse of man with man.
It believes that it is wrong to election for members.
a T. E. Brastow, Geo. G. Smith, Jno. H. Goodhue to Rutgers, July 16, 1861.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 49
It believes that those who do not sincerely sympathize with these
objects of this Society, and those whose principles are not strong enough
to lead them to vigorously oppose Secret Societies, are not fit candi-
dates for our society.
It believes that it is wrong under any circumstances to form counter
coalitions to oppose the machinations of Secret Societies.
It believes in sustaining only the simplest 8c most unostentatious
organization which will subserve the great object at which we aim,
the exhibition of the Evils of Secret Fraternities.
Holding these principles to be essential, we have become convinced
that this society, (or Chapter) while it derives no benefit from its con-
nection with the Confederation, is placed before the Secret Societies of
this College in a wrong light by the violations of our principles in other
Chapters of the Confederation.
It can bear this reproach no longer. Having exerted our utmost
influence to reform the Confederation, to no purpose, we are deter-
mined to dissolve our connection with it. We are, therefore, authorized
to address this circular letter to each chapter requesting a dismission.
One can easily imagine the consternation that this communication
caused throughout the Fraternity. Replies were immediately forwarded,
and while we are not informed as to their content, it is known that
Williams refused to alter her stand. This is evidenced in a letter from
Williams to Rutgers in which it is stated that the circular letter had
"met with expostulations from all, and led to some statements of what
practices some chapters indulged. Of course we have no desire to be
out of the Confederation which is true to the principles on which it
was organized. We do not think all the chapters have departed from
the faith. Nor have we hardly faith to believe the chapters which
indulge in secret society practices will give them up because we have
urged this upon them without avail. So that, as we are not going to
act rashly, we have no course left us but to wait until the meeting of
the Confederation in May." 48
The Fraternity assembled in convention at Schenectady, May 14,
1862. Immediately after the roll call the attention of the delegates was
directed to the request of the Williams chapter for a dismissal from
the Fraternity, Upon being asked why his chapter desired to withdraw,
William A. James replied that Williams' position had been very clearly
stated in her recent letter to the chapters. Some of the delegates wished
to have the affair delayed, but Williams insisted upon an answer.
Accordingly, the convention went into a committee of the whole and
debated the matter for over three hours. As to the exact nature of this
debate we are not informed as the only source available is the report
48 W. A. James to Rutgers, Nov. 26, 1861.
5 o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
rendered by James to his chapter. In this report James stated that he
declared that "the general reason why this society wished to be
released . . . was that we could, disconnected from the Confederation,
best promote the Anti-Secret cause, since we found that it had already
crippled our influence as we had been obliged to take the blame for
things done by other chapters of the Confederation in full fellowship
with us. The delegates were unwilling on this view of the matter to
accede to our desire, and so it was necessary to state to them directly
that from our correspondence we were assured that some chapters had
violated the Constitution by the manner they had conducted some of
their elections, forming coalitions and holding the balance of power,
and according to their own statements, electing men to office of inferior
merit. When this was stated some in injured innocence declared their
chapters had not transgressed and all desired the proofs. Thereupon
the correspondence was produced and read, when some explanations
were made which tended to exculpate in some measure the chapters
implicated, but in the opinion of the delegate from this society, two
or three of the societies did not make their innocence appear." 40
After further debate the Convention voted seven for and three
against granting Williams a dismissal with the understanding, how-
ever, that the release was granted because Williams wanted it and not
because there was any merit in the charges which Williams had made. 50
Which chapters voted against this motion is not known. It is possible
that Rochester was one as this society is known to have stated in a
letter to Rutgers that she could not give her consent to Williams'
request. Rochester took the ground that the attitude taken by the
Mother society in respect to secrecy was the same that she had adhered
to and practiced. 51 Indeed it is likely that most of the chapters believed
that they were loyal to the ideals and objectives of the Fraternity
and could not understand why Williams found fault with them. While
it must be admitted that some of the groups were more liberal in their
interpretation of the organic law and were conducting themselves in
some cases more as a social than an anti-secret fraternity, the fact
remains that the differences between Williams and the others were
fundamentally detailed in nature and indicative of no sharp divergency
of opinion or policy.
On the other hand, the Williams men seem honestly to have been
40 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, May 27, 1862, Records of the
Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1862.
50 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1862,
51 Rochester to Rutgers, Oct. 7, 1861.
MILTON WALDO
HAMILTON '48
FIRST PRESIDENT OF DELTA
UPSILON
HUGHES AND JEROME CARTOON
KEEPING THE POT BOILING
Drai>nh)R A Culler, Man/or^, "09
Prom tlit (on*entton Daily Tnangli
THE OVEULXND LIMITED, KJIO
CALIFORNIA CONVENTION CARTOON
191O
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH TO 1862 51
of the opinion that the Confederation was not living up to its standards
and principles. Campus gossip, evidently, had it that the Anti-Secret
Fraternity had seen its best day. Neutral as well as secret society men
proclaimed the fact and pointed to the practices of the various chapters
as proof of their statement. Touched to the quick by these assertions,
which upon investigation they believed to be true, the members of the
Mother Chapter came to the conclusion that if anti-secrecy was to
survive, all connection with the Confederation must end. Williams
very frankly admitted that Rutgers and several other of the chapters
were not guilty of any serious departure from the Articles. This state-
ment is borne out by the report given by James to his chapter on
his return from the Convention. In this report James declared that
"the cause of anti-secrecy in the different chapters was for the most
part in the hands of noble and worthy men." 52 In spite of this, Williams
elected to part company with an association which she had helped to
start some twenty-eight years before. Viewing the entire problem from
the point of view of today, one is forced to admit that local gossip,
opinion and reputation blinded the Williams Chapter to the realities
of the situation; namely, that anti-secrecy could best be promoted by a
national rather than by a local organization. A national organization,
moreover, that had kept abreast of the times and which did not care
to bind and fetter itself against further expansion by a too rigid
interpretation of the ideals of 1834. In other words William viewed
the situation in 1862 from a local rather than from a national angle
and desired a continuation of a policy that was too much like the past
for the other societies within the Confederation to accept.
82 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, May 27, 1862.
Chapter IV
NATIONAL EXPANSION
THE MEMORABLE MIDDLEBURY CONVENTION OF 1864 THE FOUN-
DATION OF DELTA UPSILON THE CONSTITUTIONS OF 1864 AND
1879 THE PRINCETON CHAPTER AND THE MONMOUTH EPISODE-
OTHER CONVENTION ACTIVITIES
HE Convention of 1864, which met at Middlebury March 9 and 10,
was one of the most important meetings in the entire history of the
Fraternity. 53 On the eve of this epoch-making convention Delta Upsilon
numbered but six chapters. Williams, Union, Amherst had ceased to
exist as had also the chapters at Western Reserve, Wesleyan and
Bowdoin. The future seemed none too promising. Contemporary evi-
dence records that a feeling of great uncertainty existed among the
remaining chapters. The situation was thoroughly appreciated by the
President of the Confederation, Darius C. Sackett of the Hamilton
Chapter. In a letter to Rutgers, Sackett stated "I have not heard from
but two or three chapters and they seem a little uncertain whether they
can be represented or not at that time. Now if we do not have a
quorum this time, I think our existence as a Confederation may better
cease; for it will be better for each chapter to exist independently than
to be a dead weight upon each other. Standing among the first chapters
in the Confederation, we certainly need your influence 8c advice in
our next convention." A letter somewhat similar in tone was received
by Rutgers from Charles E. Prentiss, Secretary of the Confederation
and member of the Middlebury Chapter. Prentiss also added "You
are probably aware that the chief business to be considered by the
convention will be the amendment and revision of the Constitution
and that an effort will be made to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood
in the whole fraternity. I am authorized by the Pres. of the Confedera-
tion to suggest to each chapter in view of the important business to be
53 The manuscript report of this convention as given in the Records of the
Conventions of Delta Upsilon gives these dates. The Quinquennial, op. cit. f p. 16,
lists May 9 and 10, which clearly is an error by the editor.
NATIONAL EXPANSION 53
brought before the fraternity the necessity of being represented by a
delegate with full power/' 54
Whether Rutgers replied is not established as there is no reference
to either the receipt of these letters or of an answer to them in the
minutes of that chapter. In any event it must have been with grave
concern that the delegates from Middlebury, Hamilton and Rochester
gathered at Middlebury on the morning of March 9. A quorum not
being present the convention voted to adjourn until the afternoon
when it was hoped some other chapter would make its appearance.
There were but three possibilities, Colby, Rutgers and Washington
and Jefferson. Of these Colby could hardly have been expected by
reason of the recent decline that had set in in that chapter, while
distance probably would keep Washington and Jefferson away. Every-
thing rested on Rutgers which had elected a delegate early in Febru-
ary. 65 By the early afternoon of March 9, Thomas W. Jones of that
chapter made his appearance and the convention proceeded to its
business. Had Rutgers been absent it is likely that the assembly would
have broken up in which case the Confederation might have been
destroyed. Too much emphasis, therefore, can not be placed upon the
significance of this convention.
This importance is greatly enhanced upon a review of the accom-
plishments of this gathering. The delegates who came to this meeting
appeared as representatives of an Anti-Secret Confederation; they left
it as members of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. The achievement was
most remarkable as only four of the chapters were in attendance and
as the fortunes of the Confederation had fallen to a new low level.
What these delegates lacked in number they more than made up for
in spirit and enthusiasm. Moreover, the time was ripe for a change.
Older ideas and attitudes were giving way to a newer and broader
point of view. A demand for greater centralization had demonstrated
itself and a movement was on foot which called for a more liberal
pronouncement. This feeling was admirably disclosed at the Middle-
bury Convention where a committee representative of all the chapters
present was appointed to consider and report on the question of
general constitutional revision. The report which Lucius B. Parmele,
chairman of the committee, rendered is so interesting that it deserves
quotation in full: 56
M D. C. Sackett to Rutgers, Feb. 29, 1864, and C. E. Prentiss to Rutgers, Feb. 20,
1864.
K Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Feb. 4, 1864.
M Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 1864.
54 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
The Committee on the Revision of the Constitution beg leave to
report that they have attended to the duty assigned them and recom-
mend the adoption of a 'Constitution of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity'
to take the place of the present 'Articles of Confederation and Pre-
amble and Constitution/ Mr. Prentiss of Middlebury Chapter had
prepared a Constitution which with some few amendments in the
Committee is presented herewith for the action of the Convention.
After some discussion which led to the passing of several amendments,
the constitution was adopted. Following this the convention unani-
mously voted to repeal the Articles of Confederation as well as all
"laws, ordinances and acts" adopted by any convention or chapter
under the Confederation that conflicted with the new constitution.
Copies of this document were to be sent to the various chapters as soon
as possible.
The Preamble of this constitution followed in part the organic law
adopted in 1859, which in turn had reflected previous constitutions.
Secret societies were condemned on the ground that they destroyed the
harmony of college life, created false distinctions and led to strife and
discord. These evils could best be resisted, so it was stated, and the
great objects of equality, fraternity and morality, best secured, by
organized effort. For these purposes as well as for the diffusion of
liberal principles and for the promotion of mental, social and moral
gain, the various anti-secret groups of Hamilton, Colby, Rochester,
Middlebury, Rutgers and Jefferson Colleges formed the association of
Delta Upsilon. In so doing these societies believed that they were act-
ing for the welfare of their institutions and that they were being
guided by truth, reason and experience. It should be noted that in this
Preamble there is sounded a definite anti-secret note as well as a
determination to carry on the work which had been started at an
earlier date.
Turning to the constitution itself, one notes that it consisted of
eight articles, the first of which merely recited the name of the Frater-
nity. Provision also existed for naming the component groups as
chapters with the title of the college serving for purposes of distinction.
Article II concerned the qualifications for membership. Any person
who practiced strict morality and who did not belong to or favor a
college secret society might become a member, provided that three-
fourths of the active members of a chapter had passed upon the candi-
date at a regular meeting. A pledge was required of each novice at the
time of initiation. This pledge bound every member to a strict
adherence to the constitution and the rules of the Fraternity, and
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 55
to pursue a brotherly attitude towards all fellow members. Upon
leaving college each person became a graduate member of the Frater-
nity, while each chapter was granted the right of electing persons to
honorary membership. 57 Finally, provision existed in this article for
the expulsion, suspension or honorable dismissal of any member of
Delta Upsilon. Article III enumerated the names and duties of the
chapter officers, while the following article referred to the national
officers. There was to be a national president, vice-president, and
secretary, each being elected by a majority vote of a regular convention
for the period of one year. The president was to issue the call for all
conventions at least three weeks previous to a meeting, preside at all
national gatherings, report any constitutional change or fraternity
ruling to the chapters and act as a general executive at all times. The
secretary was to keep the record of all conventions and forward a copy
to each chapter. In addition he was to act as the national treasurer. 58
Article V covered the question of national conventions. These
assemblies were to be held annually at such a time and place as the
preceding convention had voted. Special meetings might be called by
the president either on his own initiative or upon the request of a
chapter, A convention was defined as a meeting of chapter delegates
each of whom was to be properly certified by the local officers. Each
representative had one vote except when the roll call of the chapters
was asked for, in which event a chapter had but one vote. Delegates
from a majority of the chapters constituted a quorum and these
members might make any rules for the conduct of the meeting pro-
vided these regulations did not conflict with the organic law of the
Fraternity. 69 The admission of new chapters was lodged in the con-
vention. All groups desiring admission were to direct their requests
to the president who was to submit them to the delegates of the next
convention. During the interim between two conventions, the president
might refer any petition to the three oldest chapters who might pass
favorably upon such provided their action was endorsed by the suc-
ceeding convention. A unanimous vote of the convention was required
and since a majority of the chapters constituted a quorum, complete
" The provision for honorary members was a change over the past order.
88 The chapter officers, elected for such time as each group might wish and by
majority vote at any chapter meeting, were president, vice-president, corresponding
secretary and treasurer. The recording secretary had to be elected for at least a
year; other officers might be chosen if desired.
59 It is believed that this was the first time a provision of this type was adopted.
All acts of the convention were to have equal standing with the constitution, pro-
vided there was no conflict between the two.
56 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
approval by all of the chapters was not necessary. In adopting these
rules, the Middlebury gathering did not depart from past procedure
to any great extent. Admission of new chapters still lay with the con-
vention which was empowered to receive petitioning societies upon a
unanimous vote. Further, there was nothing in the new constitution
relative to an investigation of a petitioning body, which in theory had
been the case, though probably not the practice, since 1852. There
was, however, provision for the installation of new chapters which
heretofore had not been the rule. 60 In the future a committee
appointed by the president, was to visit the society in question,
administer the pledge and report the fact in writing to all of the
chapters.
Considerable effort was made by the framers of the organic law of
1864 to keep each chapter conscious of the fact that it belonged to a
national organization. To achieve this end, provision was made for
the publication of a triennial catalogue by the senior chapter. This
catalogue included a copy of the constitution and a directory of all
members of the Fraternity. Again, a common badge and insignia made
it possible for all members to know one another. The constitution
also required each chapter to notify the others of the death, suspension,
expulsion or honorary dismissal of any member. Inter-chapter relations
were to be stimulated by letters which were to be written at least once
a year. Further, the constitution of 1864 laid the foundation for chapter
constitutions, provided these did not conflict with the fundamental
law of the Fraternity. Finally, each chapter was allowed to offer amend-
ments to the constitution either at a convention or by correspondence
in the interim between two meetings. A two-thirds vote of all of the
chapters was needed for the adoption of all amendments.
Our chief source of information for the development of the consti-
tution has been the manuscript record of the minutes of the convention
starting in 1855. Unfortunately this record stops with the proceedings
of 1864 and what is more disappointing is the fact that there are no
complete sources for national meetings for the next six years. Hence
our knowledge of any constitutional change for this period is based
upon rather scanty material. The general Fraternity published cata-
logues in 1867 and 1870, both of which contain copies of the constitu-
tion, and on the basis of these and one or two other scattered records
00 Middlebury, Hamilton, Amherst, Williams and Union had organized them-
selves and as such founded the Confederation. When Middlebury was revived m
1856, Amherst conducted the installation.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 57
certain conclusions may be drawn. 61 Relatively few changes seem to
have been made. A chaplain and treasurer seem to have been added
to the list of national officers, though their duties were not defined.
Each chapter that was unable to attend a convention was required to
direct a letter to the Fraternity Secretary to be read by him at the
opening session. Again, it should be noted that in 1868 the constitution
was altered so as to provide for the publication of a semi-annual to be
known as Our Record* 2 Finally, in 1870 the convention unanimously
adopted the following resolution:
Resolved, That the chief object of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity is,
the intellectual and social culture, the moral advancement of its mem-
bers, and the encouragement and preservation of brotherly feeling and
assistance between College students, whose principles and sympathies
are the same, and
That its distinctive features are opposition, not to the individual
members of secret fraternities but to the evil influences of these organ-
izations so far as manifested in the various relations of College life.
Although this resolution should not be viewed as altering the letter of
the constitution, the fact remains that it represents an attitude of
mind towards the secret fraternities which is significant in the develop-
ment of the constitution. 63
In other words a more liberal opinion was expressing itself in refer-
ence to secret societies. Not that the fraternity looked with favor upon
these organizations, but that vocal opposition was becoming increas-
ingly less frequent. Formal expression of this attitude appeared at the
Amherst Convention of 1873. At this gathering the Preamble of the
constitution underwent considerable change. As far back as 1847 the
Fraternity in its organic law had condemned secret societies in no
uncertain terms. Each revision, even including that of 1864, had con-
tinued this anti-secret note. As an illustration of this attitude it may
not be amiss to quote the Preamble to the constitution as it stood prior
to the national meeting of 1873. In this document one reads:
Believing that Secret Societies are calculated to destroy the harmony
of College, to create distinctions not founded on merit, to produce
strife and animosity, we feel called upon to exert ourselves to counter-
act the evil tendency of such associations.
81 Catalogue of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 1867, 1870; a manuscript copy of a
constitution known as the Rochester copy, and Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 22-23.
62 See below pp. 309-310 for further comment on this publication.
08 Annual, 1870. At the 1870 convention some discussion took place as to the
method of admitting petitioning societies; no change, however, was made.
5 8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
We believe that the evils resulting from them are such as can be
suppressed only by action combined with principles.
We are confident that the great objects of equality, fraternity and
morality may be attained without resorting to the veil of secrecy.
We, therefore, the several Anti-Secret Societies of Hamilton and
Waterville Colleges, the University of Rochester, and Middlebury,
Rutgers and Jefferson Colleges, in order to secure greater unity, perma-
nency and efficiency of effort, do agree to form ourselves into a Frater-
nity, for the purpose of counteracting the evil tendency of secret
associations in College, for maintaining and diffusing liberal principles
and for promoting intellectual social and moral improvement.
In doing this we trust that we have at heart the best interests of the
Institutions to which we belong, and that we are directed by the light
of experience, the suggestions of reason and the dictates of reason.
Now the Amherst Convention pledged the fraternity to a more liberal
program. The delegates at this gathering voted to strike out the first
three paragraphs of the above quoted Preamble and substituted in
their place the following statement: "Believing that secrecy in college
societies tends rather to evil than good; and believing also that the
great objects of a college fraternity equality, fraternity, morality and
general culture may be attained without resorting to the veil of
secrecy." In addition, the clause "of counteracting the evil tendency of
secret associations in College" in the fourth paragraph was also elim-
inated. In adopting these changes, the delegates were not abandoning
the time-honored anti-secret attitude of Delta Upsilon. On the other
hand the opposition to these organizations is by no means as extensive
or expressive as it had been in the past. 64
In 1874 the convention at Marietta modified to some extent the
provision relative to the publication of the fraternity catalogue. 66 The
following year a committee on general constitutional revision suggested
a number of changes incident to qualifications for membership, the
nature and duties of the national officers and the method of acquiring
new chapters. These various suggestions aroused considerable discus-
sion and do not seem to have met with the approval of two-thirds of
the chapters. Consequently the convention of 1876 voted the appoint-
ment of a new committee to study the existing constitution and render
a report at the next meeting. At this gathering, which took place in
October of the same year, the report of this committee received very
64 These changes though adopted by the convention were referred to the chapters
for ratification; see Minutes of the Amherst Chapter, May 27, 1873 fc> r a ^ example
of chapter ratification.
85 Instead of leaving the publication to the senior society, the duty was delegated
to a chapter, by vote, three years in advance.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 59
careful consideration. Several important amendments were offered and
the constitution as revised was referred to the chapters for ratification. 66
Once again, however, the chapters rejected the work of the convention.
Exactly why this negative stand was taken is not known, as our sources
fail to throw any light upon the incident. Doubtless there were certain
minor matters which caused delay, but these in themselves could hardly
have held up ratification for so long a time. By comparing the texts of
the constitutions of 1873 and 1881 a possible explanation comes to the
front. What the revisionists appear to have had in mind was the elim-
ination from the constitution of the idea of anti-secrecy. Small wonder
was it, therefore, that some of the chapters seemed reluctant to give up
what had been the historic policy of the Fraternity. To meet this
difficulty a new committee on revision was appointed in 1877 which
carefully went over the situation and reported its findings to the Con-
vention of 1878. At this gathering considerable debate took place and
several outstanding amendments were adopted. Ultimately the con-
stitution was ratified by the required number of chapters and came
into actual use in 1879. Even then, the term anti-secret was not entirely
removed as each chapter was accorded the right to consider itself as an
anti-secret or non-secret society. 67
Although the organic law of 1879 contained a reference to anti-
secrecy the fact that individual chapters might class themselves as
being non-secret, indicates that the revisionists had been forced to
compromise. As it was, these exponents of a more liberal attitude had
full reason to believe that opinion was drifting their way and for the
time being could afford to let matters take their own course. 68 At the
Convention of 1880 no reference appears in respect to the proposition,
but at the Brown meeting of 1881 the term anti-secrecy was entirely
removed from the constitution. From that date on, Delta Upsilon has
adhered to a non-secret position. 69
An examination of the constitution as adopted at Brown reveals
quite clearly how far the Fraternity had progressed since the memorable
meeting of 1864. Unlike the law as it then existed or as it had been
* Annual, 1875, 1876. In a letter from E. C. Moore, Marietta, to Amherst, Dec. 9,
1876, it would appear that a circular letter containing the revised document was
sent to the chapters for ratification.
67 Annual, 1877-1879. See also Quarterly, 11:31-32. No copies of the constitution of
1879 have been found, although copies seem to have been distributed, see Annual,
1879.
68 Between 1879 and 1881 a few changes were made in the organic law, but since
these were included in the revised document of 1881 it was thought wise not to
mention them here; see Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 25-26, Annual, 1880.
M Annual, 1881.
60 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
modified in 1873 and 1879, the Preamble of the 1881 document
contained no reference directly or indirectly to the idea of anti-
secrecy. The ultimate goal of a college society, so the new constitution
ran, was the achievement of "Fraternity, Morality and General Cul-
ture." To gain these ends, as well as to diffuse liberal principles and
to promote intellectual, moral and social improvement, the various
societies concerned formed themselves into an association to be known
as Delta Upsilon. Each society was to be known as a chapter and was
to take its name from the institution at which it existed. Any person,
practicing strict morality and who did not belong to a college secret
society might be admitted as an active member by the three-fourths
vote of a chapter assembled in a regular meeting. At the time of his
initiation, a pledge was required of the candidate, which bound him
to a strict observance of all the rules and constitution of the Fraternity
as well as to a policy of brotherly love towards all fellow members.
Violation of this pledge or the performance of any act deemed by the
chapter as being contrary to the well-being of the Fraternity, consti-
tuted grounds for expulsion. Formal charges were to be made by each
chapter secretary to the person in question who was accorded the right
to appear in his own defense. No expulsion was to be considered valid
unless it had been concurred in by three-fourths of the chapter present
at the next regular meeting following the introduction of the charges.
Even then an appeal to the Fraternity Convention was possible, but
the action of that body was to be considered as final. In addition to
active members, all alumni were viewed as graduate members who
possessed, however, no power in either chapter or national affairs.
Finally, provision existed for the election of honorary members. Candi-
dates for this distinction were to be sponsored before the convention
and by that body only elected to that honor. 70
Article III of the constitution provided for the election and duties
of the national officers. These were to consist of a president, three
vice-presidents, a secretary, a treasurer, a chaplain and an executive
council. 71 Article IV concerned the Fraternity Convention. This
70 Prior to this constitution, each chapter had selected honorary members. About
1870 the practice developed of allowing the conventions to name these members,
a device that seems to argue for some constitutional change, though no record of
such has been found. From 1870 to 1880 inclusive, the conventions elected twenty-
four persons to this rank. At the same time, some of the chapters also chose
honorary members, for example, Marietta on Feb. 3, 1873 elected the Grand Duke
Alexis of Russia to this distinction; see Minutes of the Marietta Chapter. The
Quinquennial, op. tit., p. 720, lists a total of fifty persons elected to this rank from
1864 through 1880,
71 See below, p. 78, for a discussion of these officers.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 61
gathering was defined as an annual meeting of the "delegates of the
several chapters ... at such time and place as shall be determined
at the preceding regular convention." It is to be noted that the older
practice of leaving both the place and time of meeting in the hands
of an officer was brought to an end. Further, it should be observed,
that the alumni were not considered as a part of the national gathering.
The president, moreover, at the request of one-third of the chapters
might call a special meeting at such time and place as he might name.
Each delegate, possessed of a certification of his election, was entitled
to one vote, except upon roll call of the chapters in which event each
chapter had but one vote regardless of the number of its representatives.
A majority of the chapters was necessary for the transaction of all
business. A chapter failing to send a delegate was required to address
a letter to the secretary who was to read the same at the opening ses-
sion. While the convention might make any rule that it wished neces-
sary for the government of the meeting, its chief duties consisted of
electing the national officers and executive council, of hearing appeals
relative to expulsion, of approving of all acts and reports of national
officers and council, of amending the constitution, and of admitting
new chapters. All applications of petitioning societies were to be
addressed to the Vice-President of the convention who was to submit
them to the assembled delegates. The unanimous vote of these repre-
sentatives, voting by chapters, might admit a body into the Fraternity.
And since a majority of the chapters constituted a quorum, it was
possible for a society to enter the fraternity without the approval of
all of the chapters. Again, a petitioning group might be admitted,
during the interim between two conventions, by the concurrence of all
of the chapters. The constitution does not definitely state whether, in
such an event, a formal request had been presented at the last con-
vention, although the author is of the opinion that such a request was
required. Finally it should be noted that the constitution following
the provisions of 1864, called for a formal installation of any group
which had been accepted by the chapters. It was the duty of the Vice-
President to appoint a committee to visit the society, administer the
pledge of the fraternity, establish it in conformity with the constitu-
tion and then report the fact in writing to each chapter. It will be
seen that the organic law did not provide for any formal investigation
of the petitioning society, though the practice of conducting such had
been the usual custom since 1864. This procedure was perfectly legal
in view of a clause within the constitution which placed all acts of the
6s DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
convention on the same plane as the constitution provided these acts
did not conflict with that document.
In the hope of still further cementing the various chapters, annual
letters were to be exchanged by the chapters and a fraternity catalogue
was to be published every five years. This catalogue was to contain a
list of the chapters, a short history of each body, and the name of each
member together with his address, occupation and selected biograph-
ical data. The seniority of each chapter was to be determined by the
date of its organization. Since a society could not be classed as a chapter
until after installation, the date of installation becomes, therefore,
the date which fixed each chapter's seniority. In the event, however,
of a chapter being reorganized, the order of rank was to date from the
time of its reorganization, although it was allowed to retain its original
position in the catalogue. A charter certifying the fact and time of
admission was to be issued by the fraternity to each chapter at its
expense. This charter was to be signed by the Vice-President and
Secretary of the Fraternity.
The remainder of the constitution of 1881 concerned chapter organ-
ization, fraternity colors and motto, and the process of amendment.
Those clauses that related to chapter organization were but a re-
statement of the law of 1864 and need not, therefore, be recited here.
Uniform colors of blue and gold, and a common badge formed of the
Greek letters, Delta and Upsilon, bearing the motto, Dikaia Upotheke
were prescribed. 72 Nothing was said of a fraternity seal. Amendments
to the constitution might be made by a two-thirds vote of the chapters
in convention, provided that notice of such amendments had been
sent to each chapter at least three weeks previous to the convention.
This, as will be seen by an examination of the provisions of 1864,
constituted a change which worked for greater efficiency and order.
The development of the constitution stands as the most signal
achievement of the conventions from 1864 to 1881. And yet other gains
"A uniform badge and insignia had been provided by the constitution of 1864.
Since May 13, 1858 the badge had been formed of the letters Delta and Upsilon,
with the motto Dikaia Upotheke. Fraternity colors were first accepted m 1866 when
the convention adopted chrome and blue. This was altered in 1879 to blue and
gold, though the next year it was changed to old gold and sapphire blue. In 1881
the convention voted for blue and gold. A fraternity design, based upon a model
furnished by Hamilton, was accepted in 1881, at which time a committee was
appointed to procure a suitable seal and repoit at the next general meeting of the
fraternity. Although Dikaia Upotheke had been voted in 1858, there is evidence
that would warrant us in believing that the older motto Ouden Adelon was still
being used by some of the chapters. After 1881, Dikaia Upotheke became the
official motto and was used throughout the fraternity; see Annual, 1875, 1879-1881,
Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1858.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 63
of considerable importance were made by these assemblies, of which
an expansion in the chapter roll was probably the most outstanding.
Sound fraternity growth demanded an increase in the number of
chapters. In 1864 there were but six chapters. Of this number but
four were represented at the Middlebury Convention of that year.
Conscious that the future of the Fraternity depended in part upon the
spread of Delta Upsilon into other colleges and institutions, a com-
mittee was appointed at that gathering to "make efforts looking to the
establishment of chapters in the University of Vermont and in Yale
College." Hamilton was also empowered to correspond with Williams,
Union and Amherst relative to a revival of these inactive societies.
This was not the first time that attention had been given to Yale.
As early as February, 1856, the Social Fraternity of Williams received
information of an anti-secret society existing at New Haven. Investiga-
tion, however, revealed that this group was "simply a neutral society."
Evidently the Williams men believed that being "neutral" was not
enough, for there the matter rested. 73 Nor was anything done by a
committee appointed in 1864. Seven years later increased interest was
shown in respect to Yale, and, at the urgent request of Trinity, over-
tures were addressed to a local group at New Haven. Little was
accomplished, though in 1872 the convention empowered Brown to
visit Yale and "at their discretion" to plant a chapter. Once again,
however, matters seem to have lagged. The Conventions of 1873 and
1874 talked about the proposition and in 1874 an enlarged committee
of Brown, Madison and Middlebury was asked to investigate conditions
at Yale. The findings of this body, as presented in 1876, were disap-
pointing to most of the members and a new committee was appointed.
An adverse report, however, was rendered. In 1881 the convention
made another attempt by appointing a committee of Amherst, Harvard
and Brown "to establish a chapter at Yale." This committee reported
unfavorably and added that for the time being it was impracticable
to think of Delta Upsilon entering Yale. 74
In the meantime considerable attention had been given to the idea
of reviving the Williams group. Committees had been appointed as
far back as 1864 but it was not until 1877 that conditions appeared
favorable for the return of Delta Upsilon. In the fall of that year there
78 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams College, Feb. 5, Mar. 4, 1856,
Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1864. Simeon Batchelor, Williams '52
and a member of the Yale group appeared before the Williams men, Mar. 4, 1856.
74 Annual, 1872-1876, 1881, 1882, Minutes of the Amherst chapter, Nov. 8, 1870,
Rochester to W. H. Hartzell, Nov. 4, 1870, J. A. Freiday to George Fowler, Dec. 6,
1870.
64 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
matriculated at Williams, Edward T. Tomlinson of the Union Chap-
ter as well as Morrison I. Swift of Western Reserve. Knowledge of this
fact seems to have been possessed by Lewis Cass of Union who pre-
sented his information to the 1877 Convention. This assembly dem-
onstrated its interest by the appointment of a committee to undertake
the raising of funds for the establishment of a chapter at Williams.
Another committee, headed by Amherst, was also instructed to under-
take a survey of conditions at Williams. Henry Gay and Stephen A.
Norton were placed on this last-named committee and they seem to
have addressed letters to Swift immediately. Swift's reply is of decided
interest. In the first place it proves beyond all doubt that he had been
a member of the Western Reserve Chapter, a fact which is not estab-
lished by the sources incident to the history of that chapter. In the
second place, considerable light is thrown upon the prospects at Wil-
liams. In this letter, Swift stated:
To-day I interviewed President Chadbourne upon the subject of
our discussion, and he preached its funeral sermon. He says that he
would be glad to have an 'anti-society society' started here but he
will have no anti-secret society. In his opinion it would be a source
of great discord, whereas now perfect harmony exists. For my part I
never saw anywhere such good feeling as pervades the . . . college.
Both neutrals and society men are on the best of terms. Dr. C. says
that he remembers perfectly the time when our society flourished here
and he would not have the condition of things as they were for any
consideration that might be offered. So the matter is ended, and per-
haps for the best; for it would be a terrible strain to cope with the
well established secret socs. that have fine houses and immense wealth.
In consequence matters were allowed to drag. The finance committee
reported that it had not been able to raise any sum of money. The
Fraternity in convention, however, kept agitating the matter and at
Brown in 1881 an enlarged committee took up the proposition again.
During the period covered by this chapter, therefore, several serious
attempts were made to reestablish the Williams society. Each time,
however, some obstacle arose to block these endeavors. 75
Although not successful in reviving Delta Upsilon at Williams, the
Fraternity was able to restore Western Reserve in the fall of 1866,
Union on June 6, 1869 and Amherst on June 2, 1870. No information
75 Annual, 1870, 1873, 1875-1878, 1881. Middlebury to Amherst, Oct. 2, 1869,
Minutes of the Union Chapter, May 23, 1873, M. J. Swift to H. Gay, Jan. 28, 1878,
Lewis Cass to Amherst, Sept. 27, 1877. See also A Biographical Record of Kappa
Alpha Society, (New York, 1881), p. 276, in which there is a sketch of Swift's life.
Swift joined that society in 1878. Pres. Chadbourne was also a member of that
fraternity.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 65
is at hand relative to the reestablishment of Union except the formal
action of the Convention at Madison in 1869. At that gathering Mid-
dlebury was requested to look into conditions at Amherst. Middle-
bury's task was comparatively an easy one as a group of students under
the leadership of William H. Hartzell, a Delta Upsilon from Wash-
ington and Jefferson, were already working in that direction. During
the summer of 1868, Henry R. Waite of Hamilton visited Amherst
and encouraged the local group there in their activities. With this
backing, Hartzell was able to plant a society sometime in September
of 1869. Formal ratification of this step was accorded by the Brown
Convention, June 2, 1870. At the same time a committee on new
chapters spoke favorably of reestablishing Bowdoin, though no actual
steps were taken towards this end during the period covered by this
chapter. Eight years later, after several conventions had given the
matter some attention, Colby was restored to the Fraternity. 77
In addition to these gains, the Fraternity was able to place chap-
ters at Madison and New York in 1866. Two years later, Miami was
admitted while Brown and Cornell appeared in 1869. Trinity and
Marietta were founded in 1870, Syracuse and Manhattan in 1874,
Michigan in 1876, Northwestern in 1880 and Harvard in 1881. By
this date, 1881, Washington and Jefferson, Miami, Trinity and Man-
hattan were lost to the Fraternity as was also the Princeton Chapter.
The story of the Princeton Chapter is one of the most interesting ac-
counts that has been met in tracing the history of Delta Upsilon. As
early as April 1853, the Hamilton Chapter became informed of a
so-called Equitable Fraternity at Princeton and after some delay ac-
cepted it as a chapter on May 5, 1853. No information is available as
to what action the other chapters took, in view of which it may safely
be assumed that the society at Princeton never became a member of
the Confederation. 78
Nothing more is heard of Princeton until 1869. Late in that year
certain members of the Fraternity belonging to what was known as
the New York Graduate Club encouraged the idea of a chapter at
Princeton. Those who seem to have been most interested in the affair
were Henry R. Waite, John W. Root, Isaac F. Ludlam and Louis
78 Middlebury to Amherst, Oct. 2, 1869, Cornell to Amherst, Mar. 29, 1870,
Western Reserve to Amherst, Mar. 12, 1870, Rochester to Amherst, May 14, 1870,
H. R. Waite to W. H. Hartzell, Oct. 5, 1869. See also Annual, 1870 and Quin-
quennial, op. cit. t p. 256.
77 Annual, 1870, 1876-1878.
78 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton College, April 28, May 5, 12, 1853.
66 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Ludlam. Some of these men as well as others of the Club seem to
have known certain students at Princeton and between the two groups
some correspondence must have passed. Shortly thereafter, Henry R.
Waite, Louis Ludlam and two others, whose names are not known,
visited Princeton late in 1869 and effected an organization of what
they considered a chapter of the Fraternity. Knowledge of this fact
as well as of several meetings by the local group was not made public,
largely because o! the anti-fraternity sentiment that had been ex-
pressed by the administration of that institution. In spite of this policy
several Greek letter societies existed at Princeton in a sub rosa manner,
the mere presence of which must have convinced those interested in
Delta Upsilon at Princeton that another organization might also
flourish. Cautioned, however, by the knowledge of the University's
attitude the Princeton men took pains to warn the Rutgers chapter
that it had better not plan "to visit us for the present; we will let you
know when we are well started." 79
This letter was written on March i, 1870 and within less than a
week Rutgers received from C. K. Miller of Princeton the following
communication : 80
Enclosed you will find a list of our members. We have come out,
in other words we have burst upon the astonished gaze of all the
Secret Societies in College with a perfect galaxy of glory. ... I need
scarcely say that I will be happy to have you pay us a visit.
'70 '71 '72 '73
H D. Kesle G. A. Foster J. D. Davis J. P. K. Bryan
W. H. Miller C. M. Field N. U. Wells D. Y. Comstock
T. B. Pryor H. H. Hamill H. J. Van Dyke
Wm. Spencer C. K. Miller W. W. Van Valsah
S. A. Williams
Rutgers showed its pleasure by sending several of its members to
Princeton who brought back with them glowing accounts which were
passed on to Amherst. Trinity also heard of the event as did Marietta
and Middlebury while Cornell received a letter from the "Princeton
Chapter." Middlebury registered its sentiments in stating that Prince-
ton "bids fair to become one of the largest and most influential chap-
79 Charles Miller, "President D. U. Princeton" to Rutgers, Feb. 22, 1870. See also
To the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, New York, June 13, 1870, which is a printed
letter issued by the officers of the New York Graduate Club in which it is stated
"We have organized a Chapter at Princeton College"; see also letters from H. R.
Waite, W. L. Ludlam, Henry Van Dyke, Wm. Spencer, S. A. Williams, and
J. T. Shelby to be found in the letter files of Delta Upsilon for 1907.
80 C. K. Miller to Rutgers, Mar. i, 6, 1870.
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 67
ters of the whole fraternity." 81 Direct contact was also established be-
tween Princeton and Amherst of which the following may serve as
an example: 82
Dear Brother In accordance with your request I have deferred
writing till the end of the month. In reply to yours of the 4th I would
enclose the list of our members, and also state that Mr. Benedict was
right as regards our acquaintance. You ask what are our reasons for
establishing an Anti-Secret Society in a college where there are no
secret societies. I can only state that although prohibited they flourish
and that too with the same vigor as in Colleges where they are allowed.
I believe I told you in my last that our chapter was in a very flour-
ishing condition. We number 16 members and hope to add to our
list this term.
At the Brown Convention of 1870 a letter was read by the secre-
tary from the Princeton chapter. And in the reports given by the va-
rious chapters at this meeting as published in the Annual space is
allotted to the "Princeton Chapter." Most convincing of all the evi-
dence as to whether there was or was not a chapter at that institution
is the entry in the records of that convention which reads: "On motion,
the organization at Princeton, N. ]., was admitted, as a chapter of the
Fraternity. 9 ' This action was taken on June 2, 1870 in accordance with
the procedure laid down in the constitution relative to the admission
of new chapters 83
In the light of this evidence there can be no doubt as to the exist-
ence of Delta Upsilon at Princeton. The vote of the Convention of
1870 places the fact beyond all doubt or question. Princeton was not
represented at this gathering, but her absence was not due to any
fault on her part. Two delegates, J. T. Shelby and William Spencer
left for Brown but got only as far as Hartford, Connecticut. This
most illuminating fact is established in a letter written by S. A. Wil-
liams to the Rutgers chapter, in which there is stated: 84
I have been intending writing to you ever since the s8th . . . when
one of your chapter was in Princeton & postponed it merely to wait
the return of the delegates fr. the convention at Providence R. I.
81 Rutgers to Amherst, April 23, 1870, Middlebury to Amherst, Mar. 25, 1870,
N. W. Wells, Sect., Princeton Chapter, to Amherst, Mar. 21, 1870, Minutes of the
Marietta Chapter, May 14, 1870, Minutes of the Amherst Chapter, May 10, 1870,
and Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, May 6, 1870.
83 N. W. Wells to Amherst, April 28, 1870. The list of names which accompanied
this letter was the same as that sent to Rutgers except for the addition of
H. N. Davis.
83 Annual, 1870.
84 S. A. Williams to Rutgers, June 6, 1870.
68 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Now it turned out our delegates did not reach Providence. They were
to have left Princeton on Wednesday ist at 12:30 p.m. but on account
of a change of hours by the R. R. they missed that train wh. wd. have
enabled them to reach N. Y. in time for the Sound Boat. Being de-
sirous to reach Providence on time if possible they went to N. Y. that
evening at 5:30 & thence to New Haven where they were advised by
the agent to go via Hartford wh. wd. bring them to P. several hours
earlier. Ace. they reached Hartford about 8 o'clock Thursday & found
they were twenty minutes too late to make the direct connection &
that the next train wd. not bring them to Providence until very late
in the evening. Being obliged to be in Princeton the next morning
they returned home very sorry to have failed in ace. their objects. They
communicated by telegram with the convention, stating their arrival
at Hartford & inability to reach Providence.
The failure of these delegates to attend the Brown meeting proved
most disastrous to the Princeton Chapter as it deprived that group of
the spirit and enthusiasm which otherwise these representatives would
have brought back with them. On top of this came direct opposition
at home. Both the faculty and neutral element frowned upon an or-
ganization which existed in violation of an established university
policy. Doubtless a similar attitude must have existed in respect to
those societies that flourished sub rosa, but in the case of a new group
this opposition proved almost an insurmountable obstacle. Again,
some of the members graduated in 1870, and those who returned in
the fall found their prospects most dismal indeed. Had there been any
national organization, needed stimulus would have been forthcoming.
As it was Rutgers undertook to investigate conditions in October only
to find that the chapter was all but dead. Deprived of any help from
the national fraternity and facing severe censure on their own campus,
the Princeton men lost heart and spirit. Meetings were no longer held
and before the year was over the Princeton Chapter ceased to exist. 85
88 Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Oct. 27, 1870. In November, 1907, the Execu-
tive Council obtained an old treasury book dating back to 1869 and on the second
page there appeared the entry "To Henry Waite for founding Trinity and Princ.
chapters." An examination of the Annual during the i88o's revealed that several
committees were appointed to investigate Princeton as a place for expansion. The
Council likewise gave attention to the matter, see C. X. Hutchinson to F. M. Cros-
sett, April 10, 1886, G. S. Duncan to F. M. Crossett, Oct. 26, 1886. In the fall of
1905, C. Hartzell discovered a number of letters (all of which have been used in
this study) which convinced him that a chapter had been planted at Princeton.
In due time this news was brought to the Executive Council and Board of Directors
who appointed a committee to investigate the matter. Matters moved slowly but
in 1913 the Directors went so far as to ask the committee in charge to communicate
with the authorities at Princeton as to the "reviving" of the chapter. Nothing seems
to have resulted, though on Nov. 28, 1913 the Directors voted not to attempt to
revive any chapter that may have been founded at Princeton. On Nov. 8, 1915 this
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 69
The death of the Princeton Chapter seems to have caused no com-
ment in the fraternity at large. Not a single bit of evidence has been
discovered that would prove that either the national organization or
the chapters took cognizance of the fact. And yet those who had played
a role in the founding of the society most certainly remembered the
event. Doubtless they accepted the loss with good grace and saw little
reason for recording a fact that was generally known throughout the
fraternity. Further, the next decade witnessed a rapid growth in Delta
Upsilon. New chapters were added, the constitution was radically re-
vised and steps were taken towards the development of a central office
that in time was to knit the chapters and the alumni into a truly
national fraternity. As it was when the Fraternity met at Brown in
1881 seventeen chapters answered the roll call; in other words every
active chapter was represented. Even though there were eight inactive
groups, not counting Vermont, the net gain over 1864 amounted to
nine chapters. And what is more significant from the point of view of
wholesome expansion, chapters had been planted west of the Alle-
ghenies, a move that was bound to add greatly to the national strength
and prestige of Delta Upsilon.
Various other colleges and universities were considered by the con-
ventions from 1864 to 1881. Some of these like Boston, Bates, Stevens
Institute, Allegheny and Cumberland received little or no attention.
Dennison, Wooster and Cincinnati seem to have been investigated more
carefully as a number of the chapters looked with considerable favor
upon these applicants. 86 Of all the petitioning societies that which
came nearest to acceptance was one at Monmouth College, Monmouth,
Illinois. Sometime late in 1869 the Cornell Chapter became interested
in a group of students at Monmouth who appear to have expressed
a desire to join Delta Upsilon. Convinced of the sincerity of these
students and believing that conditions warranted expansion in that
direction, the Cornell Chapter encouraged one of its members, Edwin
F. Robb, who seems to have been at Monmouth at the time, to go
ahead and found a chapter. This Robb appears to have done so, an
act which was endorsed by the Cornell Chapter, May 6, 1870. At the
same time, Alexander G. Robb, a brother of the other man, was in-
same body voted that the evidence at hand did not warrant the belief that a
chapter had ever existed there. Finally, on Feb. 5, 1917, the Directors discharged the
committee and since then nothing of consequence has happened. It is the opinion
of the author that a chapter did exist and for that reason it has been stated so in
this history.
88 Annual, 1870-1881.
70 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
structed to visit Monmouth and initiate the group into the Fraternity.
Letters were also directed to the other chapters informing them of
these developments and asking for their endorsement. Rochester and
Brown seem to have given their consent, though no records exist as to
the attitude of the other groups in the Fraternity. Rochester's feeling
was also shown in a letter to Amherst in which there is the following
comment: "A new chapter has recently been established at Monmouth,
111. The college is quite large and there was plenty of good material
from which" students might be selected. Encouraged by these reac-
tions, the Monmouth group publicly announced in the local college
paper that a chapter of Delta Upsilon had been established.
In the meantime, one J. R. Berry, who may have been a member
of Delta Upsilon and who at the time was living at Monmouth, wrote
back East to some of his friends. It was his opinion that the local
group beggared all description and took in anyone seeking admission.
In closing he stated "I think it is a strange proceeding, but I'm afraid
it is too late to remedy the matter." The Convention of 1870, however,
after having listened to both sides of the question, disavowed any ac-
tion towards the existence of any chapter at Monmouth. Cornell's
position at this convention was one hundred percent in favor of
Monmouth. Indeed at a recent chapter meeting she had instructed
her delegate not only to gain the consent of all of the chapters but to
propose an amendment to the constitution whereby any chapter might
establish a society after getting the approval of two-thirds of the
chapters. No amendment of this type seems to have been made at the
convention, but it illustrates quite well how determined Cornell was
to have the Fraternity accept the Monmouth group. Although disap-
pointed, Cornell continued to encourage the local society to petition
again. Letters passed back and forth between the two with the result
that at the next convention, Cornell's delegate, Charles Baker, spoke
most enthusiastically about the petitioning society at Monmouth.
After considerable debate the convention voted that a delegate be ap-
pointed to confer "with the chapter seeking admission from Monmouth
College, and, at their invitation and expense to visit them." This,
however, appears to have been the last the convention or Fraternity
ever heard of the affair. As far as the records are concerned no delegate
was ever appointed; even the Cornell minutes throw no additional
light on the proposition. Evidently, the local society did not push the
matter any further and in view of the luke-warm attitude of the Fra-
ternity at large, the affair was allowed to drop. Nothing more is heard
NA TIONAL EXPANSION 7 1
of the Monmouth society. The episode illustrates, however, the loose-
ness of the Fraternity's national organization at the time. 87
The record of the conventions from 1864 to 1881 bears ample testi-
mony of an expanding fraternity life. During this period annual
gatherings were held except for the years 1867 and 1871. The national
meeting for 1867 was to have been held with the Washington and
Jefferson Chapter at Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania; a vote to this eftect
having been taken at the Rochester meeting the year before. The
actual time for this convention was left up to the President of the
Fraternity, Isaac O. Best, Hamilton '67. Best appears to have dele-
gated full power to Henry R. Waite who during the spring of 1867
communicated with a number of the chapters and members as to the
program and actual time of meeting. From these letters it is evident
that Waite tentatively had set the convention for late October or
early November. However by the middle of September, Washington
and Jefferson informed Rutgers that due to the decreased size of her
chapter as well as because of difficulties within the administration of
the college, it would be impossible for the chapter to entertain the
convention. Rutgers relayed this information on to Waite with the
suggestion that she would be willing to act as host. Waite accepted
the offer and according to the minutes of the Rutgers Chapter the
convention was set for November 4 and 5. Later, Rutgers notified
Waite that it would be necessary to postpone the meeting until early
December. So much delay and uncertainty argued that the convention
be deferred until the following year. Accordingly, Hamilton notified
the chapters that the next meeting would be held in March with the
Middlebury group. Notice of these two postponements did not reach
all of the chapters in time as several of them, including Western Re-
serve, actually sent delegates to New Brunswick. No convention, there-
fore, was held in 1867 and when the fraternity gathered again it was
not at Middlebury but at Rutgers in May of i868. 88 In the case of the
meeting for 1871, the session had been set for May 19 and 20 with
the Western Reserve Chapter. Steps were actually taken by both the
national and local officers to hold this meeting. Considerable diffi-
culty, however, was met in the matter of securing an orator and poet
87 Annual, 1870, 1872. See also Cornell to Amherst, Oct. 15, 1870, Rochester to
Amherst, May 14, Oct. 18, 1870 and a letter from J. R. Berry (to whom is not
indicated), May 26, 1870. See also Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, April 29, May 6,
Oct. 8, Nov. 4, 1870 and May 20, 1871.
88 Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Oct. 15, 29, 1867. See also in the letter files
of the Rutgers chapter for a number of entries from Waite, and Washington and
Jefferson; see also Quinquennial, op. cit , p. 81 for an account of this convention.
72 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
with the result that Jacob A. Freiday, Vice-President of the Fraternity,
informed the various chapters that the Western Reserve group desired
a postponement until late September. Before this date, however, fur-
ther obstacles arose necessitating additional delay. The net result of
these postponements was that no national gathering was held for
1871.8'
Conventions, however, were held for every other year during the
period covered by this chapter. Indeed in one case, namely that of
1876, two meetings were held: one with the Cornell group in May,
and another in October at Rochester. Brown, Middlebury, Rutgers
and Rochester were hosts twice during these years, while Hamilton
entertained the Fraternity three times. The other sessions were held
at Western Reserve, Marietta, Cornell and Union. The number of
delegates that attended these meetings rose from seven in 1864 to
thirty-five in 1881; while in 1879 a total of forty-one representatives
answered the roll call. In addition there were always a number of
national officers, speakers and guests. Hamilton maintained the best
record of all the chapters, being present at every gathering with dele-
gates running from one to seven. Rutgers was present at every session
except that for 1873, and even then she reported by letter. It is also of
interest to note in passing that beginning with 1866 the chief speak-
ers at the conventions were recruited from the alumni and not from
the delegates as had been true in the past. And that from 1869, the
President of the Convention was selected from those alumni who had
national reputations, such as James A. Garfield, George W. Northrup,
Ransom B. Welch and Elisha B. Andrews. At times honorary mem-
bers were given, this post of distinction, but in both cases seldom did
either attend. In practice, therefore, the Vice-President, who was al-
ways an undergraduate, took active charge of the meeting. An under-
graduate filled the office of secretary, and with two exceptions the
treasurer also was an undergraduate. Finally, in respect to conven-
tion activities, it may be observed that it became more or less the
established rule to allocate these last two named offices to those chap-
ters which were nearest the seat of the meeting.
89 Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 89, J. A. Freiday to Amherst, May 3, 1871, D. R.
Thompson to J. H. Bennett, Nov. 30, 1871, Minutes of the Marietta Chapter,
May 6, 1871, Minutes of the Western Reserve Chapter, Mar. 29, 1871.
Chapter V
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH
CENTURY
CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND ALUMNI
CLUBS CONVENTION ACTIVITIES ADMISSION OF NEW CHAPTERS-
DISPUTES BETWEEN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE CONVENTION
DELTA UPSILON ENTERS CANADA
constitution of 1879 as amended by the Conventions of 1880
JL and 1881 served, but for a few changes, as the organic law of the
Fraternity until 1891. During these years Article III, which concerned
the national officers, was enlarged from eight to eleven sections so as
to provide for a description of the duties of several new officers. Of
these the most important was the Honorary President who served in
a purely nominal way during the life of a convention. All of the
other positions, including the Poet, Orator, Librarian, and Historian,
were to be elected annually by the convention. The Executive Council,
chosen in like manner, was increased from five to seven members,
four of whom were to be graduates. Of these alumni, two were to
retire each year. On the other hand, the three undergraduates were
to hold office for one year only. 90 Article IV, which provided for con-
ventions, was amended in 1882 by a new section which read as fol-
lows: "Each chapter shall be entitled to at least two delegates in the
Fraternity convention. An additional delegate shall be allowed to
every chapter for each ten active members in excess of twenty-five."
Each representative was entitled to one vote except when someone
called for a vote by the chapters. Another section, also added in 1882,
read: "Fraternity taxes shall be levied by the Fraternity Treasurer,
after advising with a committee of two from the Chapter that is to
w The offices of historian and honorary president were created by convention in
1885, though no description of the duties of the former seem to have been listed.
The orator, poet and librarian were added in 1887 as were the additional members
of the Council. The description of duties incident to orator, poet and librarian
were alloted a different order in the article than before. The change in the term
of office of the Council took place in 1887. No provision existed for electing the
honorary president; this office in practice had been filled by each convention; see
Annual, 1885, 1887.
73
74 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
entertain the convention for the year in which the tax is to be levied.
The tax shall be a per capita tax on each active member in the three
upper classes." 91 Other amendments made between 1881 and 1891
included the omission of paragraph two of the Preamble of the con-
stitution, an alteration as to the procedure of admitting new chapters,
a change in the method of issuing charters, and the addition of a
provision in Article V which called for the creation of alumni chap-
ters. Doubtless all of these amendments were adopted in accordance
with the constitution though there is at least one instance where this
may not have been true. 92
Although the actual number of amendments made during this
period were few, considerable uncertainty seems to have arisen among
the national officers as to the exact law of the Fraternity. To this un-
certainty was added the knowledge that the constitution contained
definite inconsistencies. The practice of the Fraternity, for example,
opposed the election of honorary members, even though the selection
of such was distinctly provided for by the constitution. 93 Chapter
membership might be extended to persons who had never entered
college and although admittance was denied to anyone who did not
pursue "strict morality" or who belonged to a college secret society,
still there was nothing to prevent a violation of these rules once a
candidate had been initiated, except as might be found in the
"Pledge." Again, no regulation existed as to depriving a chapter of
its charter, nor was there anything like a body of by-laws. Finally, due
to the appearance of the Executive Council, alumni clubs and the
Quarterly, a host of problems had arisen that had not been properly
articulated with the existing constitution. Indeed, ever since the
Brown Convention of 1881 the Fraternity had taken on a new and
more vigorous aspect. The ideals as laid down in the Preamble, while
of merit for the age that had produced them, were largely out of tune
with the spirit that permeated the Fraternity in i8go. 94
In addition to these and other defects in the law of Delta Upsilon
there was a decided need for a number of new provisions particularly
as convention resolutions in large numbers had changed the practice
91 See below pp. 177-178
93 See below pp. 75-76, 79-80 for a discussion of alumni clubs and for the second
paragraph of the preamble. In the future, charters were to be signed by the
Council and president of each active chapter; heretofore, chaiters had been signed
by the national Vice-President and Secretary. See Quarterly, VII: 129 for evidence
that the consent of the chapters to amendments was not secured.
93 See Annual, 1888, p. 38 for a case of the election of an honorary member.
* Annual, 1889; see also Quarterly t VIILgio.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 75
though not the letter of the constitution. These facts were patent to
the Council but due to the stress of other business which that body
deemed more important, nothing was done in the way of revision. By
1889, however, the situation had become so acute that further delay
was out of the question. Accordingly in that year the Executive Coun-
cil, having informed the Convention that no complete or corrected
copy of the constitution existed, received instructions to present an
up-to-date copy at the next meeting of the Fraternity. In seeking to
carry out this order the Executive Council quickly found that what the
Fraternity needed was an entirely new and fresh statement of the
organic law. In drafting this document the Executive Council re-
ceived valuable assistance from Wilson L. Fairbanks and the Harvard
Chapter. Upon the completion of the task, E. J. Thomas, Secretary
of the Council, offered to the delegates of the 1890 Convention a new
constitution, including a set of by-laws. So thorough-going had been
the work of the Executive Council and so extensive were the changes
which had been made, that the convention accepted the advice of the
Executive Council and postponed further action for a year. In this
way, opportunity was given to both the Executive Council and the
chapters to survey carefully the entire situation. An examination of
the Quarterly as well as of the records of some of the chapters reveals
that considerable thought was given to the proposed constitution be-
tween the Conventions of 1890 and i8gi. 95 Actual discussion was re-
sumed at the Harvard gathering of 1891 with the result that a new
and more businesslike constitution came into being.
A study of this document is of decided interest. What first attracts
attention is the absence of a Preamble, a feature that had character-
ized every other constitution the Fraternity had had since its incep-
tion. Within the Preamble, the Fraternity had expressed its ideals and
objectives morality, justice, fraternity and culture and had defined
its attitude towards secrecy. Now the fundamental aims of Delta Up-
silon had not been altered, though its stand as to secret societies had
been changed by the Union and Brown Conventions of 1879 and 1881.
The existence of these modifications, however, does not account for
the omission of the Preamble in 1890. Rather is the reason to be found
in the fact that the Preamble itself had undergone so much pruning
that no sound reason existed for its continuation, especially as the
ideals and objectives of the Fraternity might as well be placed within
the body of the constitution. Accordingly, these aims appear in Arti-
cle I of the new document. The promotion of friendship, the growth
95 Quarterly, 1X25-26, 125-130, 301-506.
76 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of character, the spread of liberal culture and the furtherance of
justice in college affairs were declared the aims of Delta Upsilon, a
non-secret fraternity.
The constitution of 1891 does not appear to have been as well or-
ganized as it might have been. For this reason, it seems best to confine
our discussion of this law under several different heads rather than to
deal with each article separately. From a structural point of view the
Fraternity consisted of chapters, alumni clubs, an Executive Council
and a number of central bureaus or departments. Every chapter had
to be within the geographic limits of the United States and was to be
known by the name of the institution at which it existed, unless or-
dered otherwise by the Fraternity. Each chapter determined the elec-
tion of its members provided each candidate was of moral character
and did not belong to a college society whose principles were contrary
to Delta Upsilon or to an organization, other than professional or
honorary, that had branches in more than one institution. A favorable
vote of three-fourths of the active members of a chapter, and not
merely those who chanced to be present, at a regularly appointed
meeting was required for admission. Actual induction into the Frater-
nity took place by initiation in conformity with a rite adopted by
convention. 96 Provision also existed for the suspension, expulsion or
honorary dismissal by the chapter of its active or graduate members.
Any person not satisfied with the action of the chapter might appeal
to the next convention, whose decision was to be considered as final. 07
Membership in one chapter did not obligate another to accept anyone
who might transfer from one institution to another. Upon the pres-
entation of a certificate signed by the officers of the original society,
a chapter might receive the member into active membership. In the
event that a chapter refused to do this, the individual in question
automatically became a graduate member of Delta Upsilon. Active
membership was considered as being terminated by the withdrawal of
the student from the chapter or upon his graduation. Even after
graduation a person might if he continued his studies in the same
institution at which he had been an undergraduate, elect to remain
an active member.
Each chapter was officered by a president, vice-president, recording
secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, alumni correspondent,
96 The constitution did not contain a "Pledge" or an Initiation rite. A clause in
the law urged upon the chapters the wisdom of requiring a unanimous vote for
membership.
m See Constitution for detailed information.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 77
associate editor of the Fraternity magazine and such other officers as
might be thought necessary. In accordance with the chapter's own
constitution and by-laws, these various officers were elected by a ma-
jority vote of the active members for such a period of time as the
chapter might decide. 98 The duties assigned to these men need no
comment except for one or two cases. The corresponding secretary in
addition to the customary work was to make a yearly report to the
alumni correspondent of the condition and needs of the chapter. The
alumni correspondent, who had to be a graduate member, was to
include in his annual report to the alumni the findings of the corre-
sponding secretary; he was also supposed to keep a record of the ad-
dresses and occupations of the alumni. Each active member was to
receive from the Executive Council a certificate of his membership,
signed by the secretary of that body and by the president and record-
ing secretary of his chapter. Each chapter, moreover, was to receive
a charter from the Executive Council signifying its existence In Delta
Upsilon.
Alumni clubs, consisting solely of graduate members of the Fra-
ternity, were to be located in certain cities upon vote of the conven-
tion, to which each club might send delegates. The purpose behind
the formation of these clubs was to impress upon the alumni that they
were still members of the Fraternity and as such had a role to play
even though they had left college. From the alumni were chosen the
personnel who handled in most cases the national life of Delta Up-
silon. The principal editors of the Fraternity magazine as well as the
senior members of the Executive Council were chosen from the
graduates."
The Executive Council consisted of nine members chosen by the
convention for one year. Of these six were to be alumni, no two of
whom could be from the same chapter. A similar restriction existed
for the three undergraduate members. The officers of this body were
to be a president, vice-president, and secretary and treasurer; the latter
office being held by one person who was to receive an annual stipend
of two hundred dollars. In the hands of this board lay the preparation
of die agenda for the convention, the conduct of that gathering, the
investigation of petitioning societies, the installation of new chapters,
98 Each chapter might draft its own rules as long as these did not conflict with
the national constitution or resolutions of conventions. The term of office for the
corresponding secretary, alumni correspondent and associate editor was to be not
less than one year.
89 There was also a Quinquennial Bureau; see below pp. 298-299, 309-321 for a
discussion of both this bureau and of the Fraternity magazine.
78 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the issuing of charters and membership certificates, the publication of
the convention annual, the appointment of Advisory Boards to chap-
ters, the handling of Fraternity finance, the rendering of a report to
the convention and of generally conducting affairs subject to the in-
structions and approval of the convention. Needless to say in the
Executive Council rested much of the actual machinery of the Fra-
ternity. 100
In addition to the Quinquennial Bureau, the Fraternity Magazine
and the Council, the national officers of Delta Upsilon consisted of a
president, three vice-presidents, one of whom had to be an under-
graduate, a convention secretary, a convention treasurer, orator, poet,
historian, chaplain, librarian and auditor. All of these were elected
by a majority vote of the chapters in convention for a period of one
year. And, with the exception of the last two, these officers limited
their activities to convention proceedings. The librarian, on the other
hand, was to have general charge of the fraternity records, books,
periodicals and the like, which were to be preserved at the headquar-
ters of the Council. The auditor was required to examine the finan-
cial accounts of the Fraternity prior to a meeting of the convention.
National conventions are treated generally in Articles I and IV of
the constitution plus certain provisions that may be found in the by-
laws. These gatherings were to be held annually at a place fixed by the
preceding convention; the exact time being determined by the Execu-
tive Council upon the advice of the entertaining chapter. One-thiid
of the chapters might request the Executive Council to call a special
meeting, the time and place being set by that body. Each chapter
was to be notified by the Executive Council of all meetings three weeks
in advance. The personnel of the convention consisted of chapter and
alumni club delegates, and representatives of the Executive Council.
Each chapter was entitled to two delegates and one additional for
every ten active members in excess of twenty-five. Chapters were not
permitted to allocate their representation to the alumni. The Execu-
tive Council was allowed two delegates, as was each alumni club, pro-
vided that a club had held a meeting within the past two years at
which at least fifteen members were present. Every delegate, possess-
ing a certificate of his election signed by the proper officers of his
society, was entitled to one vote, except upon certain important mat-
ters, such as the admission of new chapters, in which case only the
chapter delegates were allowed a vote. It was also provided that when
a roll call of the chapters was asked for, each organization was allowed
100 See below Chapter VIII for detailed treatment of the Executive Council.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 79
but one vote regardless of the number of its delegates. A majority of
the three groups entitled to representation, and not just the chapters,
constituted a quorum.
At these general gatherings, plans for which had to be submitted to
the Executive Council by the entertaining group three weeks in ad-
vance of the meeting, chapter reports were to be presented. These re-
ports were to be referred to a committee without reading. Three papers
on matters of general fraternity interest were to be given by delegates
of certain chapters named in advance by the Executive Council. All
expenses of the convention were to be paid by the treasurer of the
Executive Council, though in no case was the cost to exceed one thou-
sand dollars. The actual handling of convention finance was left to a
convention treasuier, who was required to render a report to the
Executive Council. 101 All activities of the convention, together with
the reports of the various officers, were to be recorded by a stenog-
rapher and published by the Council in an Annual. Copies of this
Annual were to be sent to each chapter and alumni club.
The most important duties of the convention consisted of adopt-
ing resolutions, electing national officers, determining the place of
next meeting, amending the constitution, hearing appeals in respect
to suspension or expulsion and of admitting new chapters and alumni
clubs. Every resolution adopted by majority vote of convention was
binding upon all fraternity members. Sufficient comment has already
been made as to the election of officers, determining the place of next
meeting and of hearing appeals in respect to suspension or expulsion.
As to alumni clubs a word or two seems advisable. Alumni clubs,
though recognized by the Fraternity, were given no rights at conven-
tion until 1884. Prior to this date, delegates from these bodies appear
to have attended these meetings and seem to have been allowed to
participate in debate. Practice, rather than any constitutional right,
seems to have accorded them this function. In order, therefore, to
give them definite status special consideration was accorded them by
the framers of the new organic law of 1891. In the future, such societies
were to be located in cities centrally situated, by a majority vote of a
national meeting. These societies were to be entitled to convention
representation provided they had held a meeting in the past two years
at which fifteen members had been present. Their delegates were
allowed to vote on any matter brought before the convention except
the election of national officers, the withdrawal of a charter and the
admission of new chapters. The granting of these powers to the alumni
101 See below pp. 175-185 for a discussion of Fraternity finance.
80 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
clubs constituted a recognition by the Fraternity of the work that
graduate members had done in the past and also of the fact that these
persons were as much a part of Delta Upsilon as the national officers
or chapters. 102
Doubtless the chapter delegates considered that the most significant
work of the convention consisted in admitting new chapters. It is of
interest to note, in this respect, that the new constitution contained no
provision relative to an investigation of a petitioning society. That
some sort of a survey, however, was to take place is evident from past
practices and from a provision in Article I to the effect that no or-
ganization was to be admitted until it had existed as a local society
for at least a year. Actual investigation, moreover, seems to have been
handled by the Executive Council. Beyond this restriction, the conven-
tion might consider any group so long as it was within the United
States. A unanimous vote of the chapters assembled in convention
was needed to admit a petitioning society. It is to be observed that
the constitution called only for a unanimous vote of the chapters
present; hence the alumni clubs and Executive Council had no vote
in this matter. Again, it is to be noted that the consent of all of the
chapters was not necessary; in other words chapters not represented
had nothing to say provided a unanimous vote of those present was
in favor of the petitioning society. Once a convention had endorsed a
society, a committee appointed by the Executive Council visited and
established it as a chapter of the Fraternity. The alumni of such a
society might upon initiation become regular members of Delta Up-
silon. On the other hand, the Executive Council had no option in
the matter and was supposed to install the new society within a rea-
sonable time. In providing for these features, the authors of the con-
stitution of 1891 were merely confirming the practice that had been
laid down since i864. 103
Important as was the question of new chapters, from a legal point
of view the most significant work that fell to the convention was that
of amending the constitution. Amendments might be made upon a
two-thirds vote of any convention provided that a three weeks' notice
had been given to each unit represented at a national gathering. In
other words, the Executive Council and the alumni clubs, as well as
the chapters, were allowed to vote upon any proposed change. To this
102 See below pp. 340-344 for a discussion of alumni clubs.
"No petition was to be received by the convention after the second day.
Authority granted by the convention to plant a chapter if not acted upon within
a year became invalid unless renewed by a later convention.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENT URY 81
extent only did the document of 1891 differ from that of 1881 in the
matter of amendment.
There remains in this analysis of the constitution, only one or two
other points that need to be stressed. In the first place, it was stipu-
lated that the Fraternity colors should be old gold and peacock blue
and that the crest should be uniform throughout the chapters. Again,
there was a provision concerning honorary members. Any person
elected to this distinction prior to the adoption of the present consti-
tution was to be considered as an honorary member. Nothing, how-
ever, was said as to the future, though it is clear from the wording of
the constitution that no more honorary members were to be chosen.
From the above description of the constitution and by-laws adopted
in 1891 it is evident that a much more thorough and efficient docu-
ment had come into being. Probably the most striking contrast that
existed between this and past constitutions was in the matter of cen-
tral control. The powers and duties assigned to the general officers,
chiefly the Executive Council, clearly implied a government of dele-
gated powers. Heretofore the Fraternity had been a confederation, as
had been the case before 1864, and after that date it had become a
federation of sovereign chapters with only a convention acting in a
central or national sense. Now the organic law of 1891 did not destroy
the sovereignty of the chapters or rob the convention of its essential
duties. It did, however, create a central government and clothe it with
power sufficient to make it a truly nationalizing force. In other words
the day of uncertain or faltering policy was to be a thing of the past.
Nor should it be forgotten that the recognition of graduate members
organized into alumni clubs foreshadowed a broader and more realistic
appreciation of what Delta Upsilon really stood for as a fraternity.
Copies of the constitution of 1891 were ordered printed by the con-
vention of 1892, each chapter to receive as many as its needs might
require. The activities of this gathering showed that, no matter how
complete the organic law might be framed, certain changes would
have to be made in due course of time. The Executive Council recog-
nized this fact when it proposed certain amendments relative to the
admission of new chapters and as to the printing of the Quinquennial.
It was the opinion of the Executive Council that under the existing
law grave injustice might be done to a petitioning body as well as to
the Fraternity if the clause in question was not altered. It will be re-
called that no society could be accepted until it had existed as a local
for at least one year. Now the Executive Council pointed out that the
duration of a year might fall in such a manner as actually to compel
82 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the society to wait a longer time. For example, if a society were or-
ganized shortly after a convention, that society could not have its
petition considered until the second succeeding convention. During
that interval some other national fraternity might grant a charter to
the society and the opportunity for Delta Upsilon to enter a deserving
institution would be lost, at least for the present. The argument and
illustrations offered by the Executive Council seem to have been seri-
ously considered by the convention but in view of the fact that notice
of this amendment had not been given to the chapters and alumni
clubs three weeks in advance, nothing could be done by the conven-
tion. To circumscribe this difficulty the delegates voted that it was
their opinion that a charter should be granted as soon as "the consti-
tutional requirements are complied with." On the basis of this action
the Executive Council might install a chapter, approved of by a con-
vention, as soon as the society had existed a year. In this manner,
without direct amendment, the meaning of the constitution was al-
tered. The Convention of 1892, however, did amend paragraph 3 of
Section 5 of the by-laws by adding the sentence: "These reports shall
have been submitted to the Executive Council at least fifteen days
previous to Convention." 104
The following year the convention amended section i of Article III
by substituting the words "Decennial Bureau" for the words "Quin-
quennial Bureau." The Executive Council had called the attention of
the 1892 gathering to the fact that the labor and expense of general
catalogues every five years was apt to be too heavy a burden for the
Fraternity to assume. No action, however, was taken by the delegates
in view of the fact that proper notification of the change had not been
made. An amendment along these lines, however, was placed before
the various groups in plenty of time before the meeting of 1893 so as
to allow that convention to approve of the desired change. Notices,
moreover, of two other alterations had been referred to these groups
which were also endorsed by the assembly of 1893. O ne f t * Lese simply
redefined the duties of the Decennial Bureau, while the other changed
the wording but not the meaning of section i of Article I. Finally, in
1899, the constitution was altered so as to allow the admission of the
Toronto Chapter. For the balance of the century no further changes
appear to have been made in either the national constitution or by-
laws. At the Convention of 1898, however, it was observed that the
delegates from Stanford, California, Adelbert and De Pauw were
alumni and not active members of these chapters. This, of course, was
1M Annual, 1892.
DANIEL BLISS
AMHERST -52
PRES OF BEIRUT COLLEGE, SYRIA
E BENJAMIN ANDREWS
BROWN '7O
PRES OF NEBRASKA UNIVERSITY
DAVID STARR JORDAN
CORNELL 72
PRES OF LELAND STANFORD, JR
UNIVERSITY
STEPHEN J FIELD
WILLIAMS '37
JUSTICE OF U S SUPREME COURT
CHARLES E HUGHES
BROWN '81
CHIEF JUSTICE OF
U S SUPREME COURT
WILLIAM TRAVERS JEROME
AMHERST 82
DISTRICT ATTORNEY OF N Y CITY
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 83
a clear violation of the constitution and while the delegates were
accorded their seats a motion was carried prohibiting such practice in
the future. 105
During the period under discussion by this chapter a large share of
Fraternity work centered in the hands of the Executive Council. This
body, acting in accordance with the constitution, devoted much time
and effort to a number of important affairs. It investigated petition-
ing societies, revised the constitution, handled alumni activities, regu-
lated Fraternity finance, supervised the publications of a number of
tracts and encouraged sound internal growth. The record established
by the Executive Council was indeed a notable one. And while this
record speaks volumes for the energy and loyalty of the Executive
Council, it also stands as convincing evidence that centralization of
power in the hands of an executive committee had worked wonders
for the development of Delta Upsilon.
A large share of the special and routine work of the conventions
had been conceived by the Executive Council. Further, the success of
these gatherings was due in no small measure to the directing skill and
ability of the Executive Council. On the other hand, the conventions
themselves were not mere rubber stamping devices. Considerable per-
sonality and energy were displayed by the delegates who seem to have
been quite anxious to promote sound Fraternity growth. Their inter-
est in supporting the activities of the Executive Council, of revising
the constitution and of establishing new chapters attests the sincerity
of these representatives.
Conventions were held annually from 1882 to the close of the cen-
tury. In 1882 seventeen chapters were entitled to seats in convention
while in 1899 the number had risen to thirty-three. During the same
period the number of delegates rose from twenty-five to fifty-one. The
smallest number ever present at any one time was in 1883 when
twenty-four representatives answered the roll call, while the largest
attendance was in 1896 and 1898 when fifty-four delegates were on
hand. The variation in these figures is explained not only by the
increase in the number of the chapters but also by the fact that only
in 1884, 1886, 1888 and 1891 was every chapter present. Further, it
should be noted that not in a single case was every chapter represented
by both senior and junior delegates. At times only a senior appeared,
although in a few cases some of the chapters had three delegates.
Harvard did not attend the Conventions of 1882, 1883 and 1895;
Syracuse was absent in 1882; Union in 1895, Minnesota in 1897, North-
105 Annual, 1892-1900.
84 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
western in 1898, Technology in 1899, De Pauw in 1887, Tufts in
1890, Lafayette in 1893 and Pennsylvania in 1890, 1892, 1893 and
1894. Middlebury and Rutgers reported by letter in 1883 as did
Lafayette in 1892, Marietta in 1896, California in 1899, Wisconsin in
1885 and Minnesota in 1892. On the other hand, every other chapter
entitled to representation was present at every convention; Hamilton
maintaining the record that it had started since its inception of being
present at every national gathering. In addition to the chapters, alumni
clubs appear to have been present from 1884, except for 1894 when
none of these various groups were on hand. Usually each club sent one
delegate though at times several were represented by the same person.
The largest number of alumni groups present was in 1885 and 1889
when seven associations were in attendance. The Executive Council
is credited with having delegations from 1883 on; three being the
largest number ever present at any one meeting. Finally, it should be
noted that there were others present in the form o convention officers
and visiting members from various clubs and chapters.
Directing our attention to the actual personnel that attended these
meetings one finds that from 1882 to 1899 inclusive the Executive
Council was represented a number of times by the same individuals.
Crossett appeared at every meeting from 1884 to 1888, while Otto
Eidlitz attended three different gatherings. Ellis J. Thomas was pres-
ent in 1890, 1891, 1893 and 1894; George F. Andrews from 1896 to
1898, and Thornton B. Penfield in 1895, l8 97 and l8 9 8 - Through the
device, therefore, of continuing to return the same delegates, the
Executive Council was able to present a program and policy which
was more or less consistent over a period of years. In respect to the
chapter delegates, there seems to have been no great desire to send as
the senior representative the junior delegate of the previous year.
Syracuse appears to have done this for eight out of the seventeen
conventions covered by this chapter, while Williams and Cornell fol-
lowed the same plan for four and five times respectively. Tufts sent
delegations of this type to five meetings, three of which were attended
by the same representative. A number of chapters returned the same
delegate twice, but in general the practice was by no means a com-
mon one. As a result none of the conventions had any large number
of chapter delegates who had seen service before, though beginning
with 1895 ti 16 exceptions become more numerous. In 1898 there were
eight delegates present who had attended the meeting of the previous
year. Why the chapters did not elect to follow this practice more
closely can not be established. In some cases it is evident that going
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 85
to a convention was more o a pleasure than a duty, particularly after
entertainment of various types was provided by the chapter that acted
as host. Be that as it may, the fact remains that the absence of any
continuing body of delegates from one assembly to another did little
to add to the value of these conventions.
From the point of view of the delegates the most significant accom-
plishments of these meetings was the establishment of new chapters.
Ever since the Fraternity meeting of 1882 considerable thought had
been given to this topic. At that convention reports were heard and
debate took place as to the possibilities and wisdom of trying to plant
chapters at Yale, Columbia, Pennsylvania, Dennison, Iowa and Min-
nesota. Small wonder was it therefore that the first issue of the Quar-
terly, which appeared in that year, gave considerable space to the
question of expansion. In this article the editor stressed the value of
gaining new chapters but argued for much thought and care in the
selection of new groups. "In doing this," so the article ran, "we should
have the strength and prosperity of the Fraternity in view, rather
than the desire of increasing the number of chapters." A similar note
was sounded by a contributor from Western Reserve, while somewhat
the opposite view was advanced by F. S. Fuller of Madison. Fuller
argued that expansion was vital in that the alumni would profit ex-
ceedingly by reason of an ever-increasing number of Delta U's through-
out the country. A larger chapter roll would also aid in the pledging
of new members by those chapters that at present were seriously
handicapped by the rivals, Beta Theta Phi and Delta Kappa Epsilon. 106
In the meantime both sides rejoiced over the reestablishment of
the Williams Chapter, October 12, 1883. Twelve days later the Fra-
ternity assembled at Marietta where the entire proposition of expan-
sion was discussed at great length. A number of different institutions
were named as suitable places for Delta Upsilon, but not in a single
case did the convention vote to plant a chapter. Dennison University
probably received the most serious attention but after a long debate
was voted down. Committees, however, were appointed to look into
Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Lafayette and Asbury University. In com-
menting on this action the editor of the Quarterly stated "Our con-
servatism is to be preserved. ... As usual a number of committees
on new chapters were appointed, and we sincerely trust that the mem-
bers of these will distinguish themselves from most of their predeces-
sors by accomplishing the objects for which they are delegated." 107
108 Quarterly, 1:52-53* 58-
10T Quarterly, II. 13; Annual, 1883.
86 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Delta Upsilon celebrated her fiftieth anniversary at New York City.
Quite naturally, considerable attention was given to the matter of
expansion. Not only did the delegates accept the reports of the com-
mittees that had been appointed the year before, but new bodies were
selected to investigate conditions elsewhere. Of these, two were to look
into the situation at Tufts and Wisconsin, another was given power
to plant a chapter at Lehigh, another to use discretionary power in
respect to Princeton, while still a fifth committee was appointed to
revive any inactive chapter, provided all of the active groups had
been consulted in advance. Finally, another body was instructed to
canvass the chapters concerning expansion and present at the next
convention a list of colleges that seemed suitable for the needs of
Delta Upsilon. At the same time, Vermont was officially voted to be
classed as a dead chapter. 108
During the first six months of 1885, Crossett, in behalf of the Execu-
tive Council, seems to have spent much time and effort in promoting
the cause of the expansionists. Letters appear to have been directed
to several of the chapters asking for their views on the entrance of
Delta Upsilon into a number of different institutions. Probably all of
the active chapters were polled in this fashion, though the available
evidence records that only Cornell, Marietta, Adelbert, Williams,
Colby, Rochester, Madison, Brown, and Michigan were approached.
Of these only Colby expressed itself as being "solid on" further ex-
pansion. The others were mildly enthusiastic and proceeded to
enumerate the schools that they favored or disfavored. Marietta
slightly resented the method the Executive Council was following and
while she voted to place a chapter where there was an obvious need,
still it "seems to us that the whole matter could better have been
decided while the chapters were all represented." 109
In the meantime chapters were founded at Wisconsin, Lafayette
and Columbia. Now it is of interest to note that of these the last con-
vention had acted in a favorable manner only as to Wisconsin. Our
authority for this statement may be found in the Annual for 1884,
the official source for the proceedings of the convention of that year.
In this it is recorded that the delegates voted for an investigation as
to the "feasibility of establishing a chapter" at Wisconsin and that
the committee in charge was to make a report "at the next conven-
tion." If this statement is correct then the founding of Wisconsin was
108 Annual, 1884.
Quarterly, 111:86, 90, C. S. Mitchell to Crossett, April 30, May 14, June 13,
1885, C. H. Perry to Crossett, May 18, 1885, N. M. Isham to Crossett, April 21, 1885.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 87
illegal and Crossett, who had edited that Annual, was of the opinion
that the entry was accurate Now the procedure then in vogue as to
the recording of convention activities was none too efficient. A con-
vention secretary seems to have been responsible for the gathering of
all motions, reports, votes and the like. Further, it would appear that
a reading of these took place before the convention adjourned. On
the basis of this several copies evidently were made, these copies being
submitted to the chapter that had entertained the convention, and to
one or two others who had been assigned this duty, for the purpose of
review and correction. Finally a corrected copy was then given to the
editor of the Annual who proceeded to arrange the same for publica-
tion. Nowhere in our sources do we find this procedure referred to in
so many words but on the basis of many letters that passed between
Crossett and several of the chapters it would seem that something like
this was done. These same letters also tend to create the impression
that the work of the secretary and of the chapters in question was not
always well done and that frequently the Annual contained misleading
statements and omissions of importance. It may be, furthermore, in
view of the rather careless method followed that the editor often
printed what he thought had taken place, in which case we have an
explanation for many a peculiar wording or phrase in this source.
The Annual, therefore, for this period has to be used with consider-
able care, and yet it stands as the only official record available of
what went on at convention.
To return, however, to the question of Wisconsin, Crossett, as has
been shown, was of the opinion that the Annual was correct. Accord-
ingly he seems to have expressed great surprise on hearing that the
Wisconsin committee had proceeded to investigate and establish a
chapter at that institution. On the other hand, Charles W. Carman,
chairman of that committee and a member of the Michigan Chapter,
was of the opposite opinion and took pains to explain why the com-
mittee's action had been of such a nature. According to Carman, the
secretary of the convention had become confused at the time and had
not recorded events as they had taken place. The record, moreover,
such as it was, had not been read to the delegates before the conven-
tion had adjourned and for this reason an erroneous statement ap-
peared in the Annual. Carman claimed that when the motion had
been first put before the delegates it had been voted down, but that
later in the session had been presented again and this time it was
carried. In opposition to this Crossett might well have argued that the
Annual contained no reference to the original motion and that there-
88 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
fore Carman's contention was open to question. Crossett, however,
does not appear to have raised this point. Furthermore, Carman stated
that his interpretation was endorsed by Winthrop B. Chamberlain o
Michigan, Edward R. Utley of Amherst and also by Otto Eidlitz of
the Executive Council who had recently written him approving of
the idea of establishing Wisconsin at once. It may be that Crossett on
hearing of this came to the conclusion that Carman was right and he
was wrong. Indeed James Russell of the Cornell Chapter informed
Crossett that Syracuse was of the same opinion as was Carman. That
Carman, an undergraduate, would have assumed power not dele-
gated to him is possible but not very probable. Further, as Carman
himself stated to Crossett he ought to know what motion had been
made as he, Carman, was the author. In the light of the above evidence
it seems reasonable to assume that Carman's position was sound and
the Wisconsin Chapter constitutionally established. 110
In respect to Columbia, the Annual for 1884 has no reference at all,
and yet a chapter was established at that institution in June, 1885.
It is evident, therefore, that at no time did the convention authorize
the founding of this society, though it should be remembered that a
committee had been created in 1884 to survey the field for expansion
and report at the next convention. It is impossible, moreover, to argue
that this committee was clothed with any power to plant chapters, as
there is not the slightest intimation in the Annual that this was the
intent of the delegates. On the other hand there existed a provision
in the constitution that permitted the founding of new chapters be-
tween conventions provided the written consent of the chapters had
been obtained. Now Crossett in canvassing the various societies in-
quired as to their attitude on a chapter at Columbia, to which he had
been attracted in the spring of 1885. In reply Crossett gained the
approval of nine of the eighteen existing chapters of Delta Upsilon.
Doubtless the other nine also gave their consent though our sources
record only nine replies; the others in all probability have been lost.
Unless one accepts this statement, we would be compelled to argue
that Crossett planted Columbia without regard to constitutional re-
quirements, which clearly he would not have done. Although Crossett
acted within the limits of the organic law, it is evident that his zeal
and enthusiasm led him beyond the intent of the Convention of 1884.
210 Crossett seems to have accepted Carman's statement as no further point was
raised by him. See Annual, 1884, C. W. Carman to Crossett, May 14, 1885, J. E.
Russell to Crossett, July 7, 1885, Quarterly, 111.170.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 89
And it was doubtless against these tactics that Marietta protested as
has been shown above. 111
As far as Lafayette is concerned the 1884 Annual records that the
convention listened to an unfavorable report on this institution by a
committee which seems to have been appointed to investigate the same.
Further, this same convention proceeded to discharge this committee
and did not appoint a new body to inquire into Lafayette. Evidently
the opinion of the delegates in 1884 was opposed to the Fraternity
entering that college for the time being. And yet Lafayette was one
of the institutions that Crossett by letter asked the chapters to vote
upon. The same chapters that supported Columbia likewise gave their
consent to Lafayette. On the basis of this as well as the likely approval
of the other societies Crossett founded the Lafayette Chapter in May,
1885. Early in October of the same year the Executive Council like-
wise established a chapter at Lehigh, an act which was in keeping
with the vote of the previous convention authorizing the planting of
a chapter at that institution. 112
Lehigh was present at the 1885 Convention at which the question
of further expansion received consideration. The committees which
had been appointed on Tufts and Princeton reported that for the
present conditions were unfavorable to Delta Upsilon. So keen, how-
ever, was the sentiment of the delegates for these two institutions that
the committees were asked to continue their activities. Similar action
was also taken on the committee that had been created to present a
list of colleges suitable for expansion. Another body on De Pauw
which seems to have been appointed, though there is no reference to
it in the Annual for 1884, was likewise retained. So enthusiastic were
the delegates that they voted to place the "investigation into and the
advisability of establishing new chapters and the pledging of future
members" in the hands of the Executive Council. This grant of power,
of course, did not mean that the Executive Council could establish
chapters as it saw fit, for the very simple reason that the constitution
contained exact regulations for the method to be used in such cases.
On the other hand this resolve did empower the Council to investi-
gate societies at institutions where Delta Upsilon was not represented
even though these organizations had not been brought before the
convention. 113
** Quarterly, 111-174, Annual, 1884, Letters from Rochester, Madison, Middlebury,
Colby, Brown, Michigan, Marietta, Williams, April 30 to May 19, 1885 and Minutes
of the Syracuse Chapter, May, 1885.
^ Idem.
Annual, 1885.
go DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Encouraged by the attitude of the convention the Executive Council
communicated with the chapters as to Tufts, Princeton, De Pauw and
a number of other colleges. Opposition, however, arose in some quar-
ters to Crossett's suggestions. Syracuse, for example, informed him that
while "we are heartily in favor of reestablishing any or all of our dead
chapters ... we are not in favor at present of trying to force our
entrance into Princeton, University of Pennsylvania or any other of
the schools suggested by the Council." 114 As a result of these objec-
tions the Council was unable to make any additions to the chapter roll
for the time being. At the 1886 meeting, however, the delegates voted
to admit the petitioning group from Tufts. This convention also dis-
cussed De Pauw, Wesleyan and Pennsylvania with the result that the
Executive Council was authorized to take into "immediate considera-
tion" the planting of a chapter at Wesleyan, to determine the "advis-
ability" of establishing a branch at De Pauw and to appoint a com-
mittee of three "to establish a chapter" at Pennsylvania. 115
In accordance with these instructions the Executive Council under-
took to investigate the situation at De Pauw. Communications passed
back and forth between the Executive Council and the local group at
that college. Finally a petition from that body was read before the
Executive Council some time in the early fall of 1886. Being favorably
disposed towards the petitioning society, the Executive Council sent
out in the middle of October a form letter to all the chapters stating
that a petition had been received and that the Council was disposed
to grant a charter. Evidently, the Executive Council believed that the
action of the past convention did not carry with it power to establish
without the consent of the chapters. How many of the societies replied
is not known as our sources show answers from only Cornell, Lehigh,
Marietta, Colgate and Colby. Cornell expressed herself as being op-
posed as did one or two others. 116 In spite of this attitude the Execu-
tive Council went ahead and in March, 1887, installed a chapter at
Greencastle. Syracuse on hearing of this action instructed its secretary
to write to Crossett "requesting whereby he got the authority for the
establishing of a chapter at De Pauw." This was followed by the adop-
tion of a resolution empowering the delegate to the next convention
u * Syracuse to Crossett, April 10, 1886, Williams to Crossett, April 19, 1886, Lehigh
to Crossett (in Minutes of Lehigh Chapter), April 9, 16, 1886, Cornell to Crossett,
April 10, 1886.
ns Annual, 1886. The wording in respect to Tufts is not clear.
u Cornell to Crossett, Oct. 18, 1886, Marietta to Crossett, Oct. 18, 1886, Colgate
to Crossett, Oct. 16, 1886, Colby to Crossett, Oct. 21, 1886, Minutes of the Cornell
Chapter, April 9, 1887.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 91
to set forth Syracuse's understanding of the matter. He was also in-
structed to ask for "an exact copy of minutes referring to the establish-
ing of a chapter" at De Pauw. Cornell and Middlebury also wrote
Crossett asking him to state the authority for the founding of De
Pauw. 117
In the meantime Lehigh heard of the affair and at once wrote Cor-
nell, Syracuse, Hamilton, Madison, Brown, Amherst and Rutgers ask-
ing for their understanding of the last convention's motion relative
to De Pauw. Lehigh herself was of the opinion that no power had
been granted to the Executive Council. 118 Amherst thought likewise
and immediately asked Middlebury for its views on the matter. By this
time, late April, 1887, Crossett was busy informing a number of chap-
ters that the "De Pauw Chapter was established by a committee ap-
pointed by the Executive Council who in turn were authorized by a
motion made and carried at the last Convention." 119 Amherst, how-
ever, was not satisfied by this answer and at a regular meeting of the
chapter held May 10 adopted a series of declarations and resolves.
Amherst held that De Pauw had been founded "without our knowl-
edge or consent in direct violation" of the constitution and that it
was the understanding of Brown, Colby, Rochester, Harvard, Lehigh,
Middlebury, Adelbert, Syracuse, Madison, Marietta, Williams and
Amherst that the 1886 assembly had voted to leave De Pauw to a
committee "to investigate and report at the next convention." On the
basis of this fact, Amherst argued that either the method of determin-
ing business at the convention was "slip-shod" or the recording secre-
tary of the meeting had made a serious error, or else the Executive
Council "had assumed an unauthorized and dangerous power." Am-
herst also claimed that no roll call of the chapters had taken place at
the previous convention and that therefore the motion which had
been passed could not be advanced as proof that the convention had
given its consent to a chapter at De Pauw. In view of these declara-
tions Amherst called upon her sister chapters to take steps at the next
convention to locate the source of the error. Further, Amherst re-
quested that the Executive Council should "counteract their action
until the De Pauw matter can be settled in accordance with the con-
stitution and to the satisfaction of the chapters." Finally, it was re-
*** Minutes of the Syracuse Chapter, April 15, 22, 29, 1887, Crossett to Middlebury,
April 30, 1887, Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, April 9, 1887.
^Minutes of the Lehigh Chapter, Oct. 15, 1886, April 15, 1887.
319 Crossett to Rutgers, April 4, 1887; similar letters were sent to the other
chapters.
gs> DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
solved that copies of these declarations and resolves be sent to all of
the chapters as well as to the Council. 120
On the basis of the above evidence it would seem that a number of
the chapters were of the opinion that the statement as given in the
Annual for 1886 was not correct. Further, in view of similar errors
which existed in other Annuals it seems reasonable to assume that
the official source was incorrect. The fact, moreover, that the Executive
Council sought the consent of the chapters by letter would tend to
indicate that in its opinion no authority had been granted them by
the 1886 Convention. Finally, it should be observed that Amherst's
contention that no roll call of the chapters had taken place in 1886, and
such a call was required by the constitution, agrees with the statement
as given in the Annual. 121 Once again it would appear that had the
method of reporting been more precise the entire difficulty might
have been avoided. The conclusion, therefore, that must be drawn
from the above evidence is one which entirely endorses the stand
taken by Amherst and Syracuse.
Not content with the validity of this position, these chapters brought
the matter before the Rutgers Convention of 1887. At this meeting,
Herman V. Ames of Amherst secured the adoption of a resolution
calling for the appointment of a committee to investigate the "inter-
pretation of the constitution relating to the establishment of new
chapters." While this committee was deliberating, a motion was of-
fered ratifying the action of the Executive Council in respect to De
Pauw. All of the chapters except Hamilton voted for this motion.
Upon question as to whether Hamilton's vote did not remove De Pauw
from the Fraternity the chair ruled that it did not. Whereupon an
appeal was made by Syracuse, which appeal after considerable debate
was laid on the table by a vote of fourteen to nine. Why those chapters
who had insisted that the Executive Council had no authority to
found De Pauw should have voted for this motion is not clear.
Whether they had agreed among themselves to allow one of their
number to cast a negative vote and thus through parliamentary
procedure settle the question, or whether they felt that the Executive
Council and not De Pauw should be censured, can not be established
on the face of the evidence at hand.
These events had taken place on the morning of October 27 and
330 Declarations of the Amherst Chapter, May 10, 1887.
121 Too much emphasis should not be placed upon this point as the reliability of
the Annual seems to be none too good. On the other hand it should be noted that
this same source shows no roll call on the admission of Tufts.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 93
not until the following morning was the matter taken up again. Dur-
ing this interim certain social activities had taken place which must
have done much to alleviate the feelings of the delegates. When the
convention reassembled, Ames introduced a series of resolutions which
were adopted without much debate. These resolves stated that the
provision in the constitution relative to the admission of new chapters
could be interpreted in one of three ways. First, petitioning groups
might be admitted by the unanimous consent of all chapters present
in convention; second, by resolutions of all the chapters between con-
ventions; and third, by a resolution or motion giving the Council
discretionary power, which motion or resolve must have been passed
by a unanimous roll call of the chapters in convention. These inter-
pretations, therefore, constituted an official and definitive statement
as to the meaning and intent of the constitution and in accordance
with a provision of that document were to be viewed as much a part
of the organic law as the constitution itself.
Having asserted their rights the various chapters seemed to be of
the opinion that the misunderstanding between the Executive Council
and the chapters should not go any further. Further, they believed
that in any event no injustice should be shown towards the De Pauw
group which had acted in good faith at all times. Accordingly, Hamil-
ton withdrew her negative vote and De Pauw was thus granted a
charter by the unanimous vote of the chapters at the 1887 Conven-
tion. In commenting upon the proceedings of this meeting the Lehigh
delegate stated to his chapter: "In the De Pauw matter there was a
lengthy and warm discussion. Many thought that De Pauw was not
now legally a chapter but would have to be legally put in by a
unanimous chapter vote as called for in the constitution." This dele-
gate also reported that the Executive Council had stated that "no
exception was taken as to the character of men at De Pauw that would
warrant their not being taken in. A committee went out to see them
and finding all favorable initiated them." 122
Reviewing the facts incident to the De Pauw affair, one is impressed
by the moderation of the convention. That the Council had exceeded
its powers is beyond all question. It is also clear that a number of the
chapters were considerably disturbed by the Executive Council's ac-
tion. An opportunity, therefore, was afforded for the passage of some
^Minutes of; the Lehigh Chapter, no date being given. See in the same for
resolves passed Oct. 21, 1887 against any further extension. See also Annual, 1887.
The feeling of the Council in respect to the Convention's stand is brought on in a
letter from Hughes to Crossett, dated Mar. 26, 1888, in which Hughes wondered
what Madison meant by stating that "we over reached our authority."
94 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
drastic resolution censuring the Council. The delegates, however, did
not adopt such a procedure. Rather were they content to point out
where and how the Executive Council had erred and having done this
wisely voted to admit the De Pauw society. The entire affair seems to
have been most unfortunate and the Fraternity had ample reason to
feel pleased that a more serious misunderstanding had not taken place.
For the time being, the De Pauw incident acted as a check upon
further expansion, the convention voting to lay on the table the peti-
tions of Ohio Wesleyan and Albion. Further, by a vote of twelve to
eleven it was resolved that the opinion of the convention was opposed
to any further extension. 123
It will be recalled that the 1886 Convention had authorized the
Executive Council to appoint a committee of three to establish a
chapter at Pennsylvania. Overtures appear to have been made to a
group of students at that university before the close of the year and
at an Executive Council meeting, January 18, 1887, Crossett reported
that the local group had been investigated and found ready for ad-
mission into Delta Upsilon. A committee composed of Hughes, Eidlitz
and Crossett was then appointed to "take charge of the matter and
make the necessary arrangements." Matters dragged, however, and at
the 1887 meeting the Executive Council reported that prospects did
not favor the Fraternity's entrance for the time being. 124 Shortly there-
after matters took a turn for the better and in March, 1888, several of
the chapters received word from Crossett that the Pennsylvania Chap-
ter would be installed before the close of the month. Upon receipt of
this letter Lehigh held a special meeting at which it was voted to
inform Crossett that the chapter was opposed to Pennsylvania. Hamil-
ton also became aroused and sent into the national office a protest. 125
Whether Crossett received these communications before his visit to
Philadelphia is not known. In any event on March 23, 1888, the
Pennsylvania group was installed by Crossett in the presence of several
members of the Executive Council and representatives from Amherst,
Rutgers, Brown, New York, Cornell, Marietta, Harvard, Columbia
and Lafayette. 125a
When the Fraternity gathered at Adelbert in 1888 the committee on
credentials did not report the names of the delegates from Pennsyl-
vania. Evidently there was some doubt in the minds of this committee
V* Annual, 1887.
^Minutes of the Executive Council, 1887.
^Minutes of the Lehigh Chapter, Mar 11, 16, 23, 1888.
15511 These representatives were chiefly alumni and their presence did not imply
chapter consent to the installation.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 95
as to the legality of the founding of this chapter. This assumption is
borne out by the passage of a resolution calling for the appointment
of a special committee to investigate the matter. Now the Executive
Council's position, as outlined in a special report which had been
submitted to the delegates, was that their action was valid. In support
of this thesis Crossett cited the resolutions passed in 1886 as well as
the silence of the delegates at the 1887 meeting and also as to the
reading of the minutes of the previous convention. In other words the
Executive Council argued that their act was based in the first place
upon the authority granted them to found the chapter by the 1886
Convention. Again, the motion directing this step was read to and
approved by the 1887 assembly. Finally, the silence of this convention
to the report of the Executive Council carried, according to that body,
a continuation of power.
Although this position was strictly in accordance with the facts, the
1888 Convention laid the Executive Council's report on the table by
a vote of thirteen to eleven. 126 At the same time the delegates con-
sidered the findings of the special committee mentioned in the preced-
ing paragraph. According to this report Pennsylvania had not been
legally founded, "First Contrary to the Constitution, Article 5 Sec-
tion 3. SecondMotion as stated on page 36 of the Minutes of the
Convention at Madison was not legally passed."
Now section 3, Article V provided that the Vice-President of the
Fraternity was to appoint a committee to install a chapter and report
the event in writing to each chapter. At that time, Norton T. Horr of
Cornell was Vice-President. Investigation reveals that the Pennsylvania
installation committee was not named by him but by the Executive
Council. Technically, therefore the procedure followed by the Execu-
tive Council was in violation of the constitution. On the other hand
it is of interest to note the procedure followed at the founding of
Wisconsin. The Vice-President in March, 1885, at which time Wis-
consin had been established, was E. B. Andrews, while the committee
which installed the chapter was one that had been appointed by the
1884 Convention. Evidently that body was ignorant of the constitution
and raised no question as to the validity of the installation. Columbia,
Lafayette and Lehigh were also installed in the same manner. A prec-
edent, therefore, had been followed in several cases, in view of which
it may be argued that the Executive Council had no reason to think
their method illegal, when in accordance with a convention's ruling
126 Annual, 1888; see page 45 of the same for the list of the chapters voting on
this motion.
g6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
it had appointed a committee to establish the Pennsylvania Chapter.
There is no evidence, however, that the Executive Council was aware
of the past procedure as having set a precedent; that is, at no time did
the Council advance this fact.
Technically, the convention's position was sound and yet it may
well be that it would not have been advanced had not the delegates
believed that the "Motion as stated on page 36 of the Minutes of the
Convention at Madison was not legally passed." Turning to this
source one reads: "On motion, the Executive Council was authorized
to appoint a Committee of three, to establish a Chapter of Delta Up-
silon in the University of Pennsylvania." Nothing else appears to
indicate whether this motion was passed by chapter roll call or by
oral vote of the delegates. Those who had questioned the method fol-
lowed by the Executive Council believed that no roll call had been
tat en. Hence, the reported action of the 1886 Convention was not
lawful in view of the constitutional provision for a roll call. If this
is true then the passage of the motions which led to the founding of
Tufts and Wisconsin was also illegal. Once again, it would seem
that past conventions had adopted a practice that was not in keeping
with the organic law and which in following the Executive Council
should shoulder no more blame than the convention. Of course there
is the likely possibility that the secretary in recording the passage of
the motion did not take down the statement that a roll call did occur.
Indeed the very wording quoted above seems to indicate an item
which was entered at a later date rather than at the time of actual
passage. In other words it may be stated that the compilation of the
convention's activities was made up, on carelessly taken notes, by
someone after the convention had adjourned. It should also be recalled
that the Executive Council insisted that in its 1887 report mention
was made of the resolution of 1886 and that no comment was then
raised by the delegates in respect to anything. Two years, therefore,
after the passage of the original motion the question as to its legality
was raised; in view of which one might well question the accuracy of
those who remembered the event itself.
Be that as it may, the right of the convention to call the attention
of the Fraternity to an infraction of the constitution is not to be ques-
tioned. The only point of significance is why the delegates raised the
question at all. Probably, neither the convention nor the Executive
Council were aware of the historical growth of a practice that was in
violation of the constitution, although there is no evidence at hand
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 97
one way or the other. Doubtless some other reason existed for the very
determined stand taken in 1888. In seeking to locate this factor one
should not forget that the De Pauw incident was still fresh in the
minds of the chapters. In other words, some of the chapters were on
tip-toe in respect to the Executive Council's action and were more
than ready to pounce upon any further short-coming of that body.
Hamilton, Amherst, Williams and Lehigh had taken an active r61e
in the De Pauw matter and when the Pennsylvania affair came to
light, were not slow in voicing their views on, and off the floor of the
convention. 127 Further a majority of the committee on credentials
that denied a seat to Pennsylvania were in opposition to the Executive
Council on the De Pauw incident. It hardly seems to have been a
matter of mere chance that the chapters which led the attack in 1887
were also in the very front in 1888. Finally, it should be observed that
the appearance of the Executive Council in the affairs of the Fraternity
was of recent date, prior to which the chapters had played a more
important r61e in Fraternity problems. Naturally, therefore, the con-
duct of the Executive Council would be more closely watched than it
is today. Something of this feeling seems to appear in a letter written
by Adelbert to the Executive Council late in 1888 which in part reads
as follows: 128
There has been a tendency in general fraternity matters to utterly
ignore such chapters as do not happen to be within easy distance of
our "Mecca," otherwise the Fraternity Headquarters in New York
and we propose that this state of affairs shall be changed or we will
know the reason why. Understand we do not wish to censure you, for
we know what "a hard row to hoe" you have just now, but in com-
mon with many other Chapters we have come to the conclusion that
we should understand matters and not be left in dense ignorance
thereof. For it was by mere chance that we knew anything was wrong
in the reception of the U. of P. last year, before the convention I
mean; then it was definite.
Although the convention repudiated the action of the national offi-
cers, it took pains not to offend the Pennsylvania group. For hardly
had the motion declaring the Executive Council's acts illegal been
passed, than a unanimous vote of the delegates acclaimed "the gentle-
127 Minutes of the Lehigh Chapter, Report of delegates to the 1888 Convention.
^Marietta to W. E. Merritt, Dec. 20, 1888. Crossett expressed his feelings in a
letter to one Lathrop, Jan. 30, 1889 in which he stated "In the convention's blind
fury to discredit the Council they did the Pennsylvania men great wrong and
one that the Fraternity will hear more of"; see also L. Derr to E. J. Thomas,
May 9, 1891.
g8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
men banded together at the University of Pennsylvania as a chapter
of Delta Upsilon." Following this, the delegates from this chapter
were given the privileges of the floor as members of the Fraternity. 129
The admission of this group in October, 1888, marked a lull in
further expansion. Editorial comments in favor of extension, written
presumably by Crossett, appeared in the Quarterly. Dartmouth, Yale,
Ohio Wesleyan, Princeton, Trinity and Minnesota were referred to
as excellent places for Delta Upsilon. The Council, moreover, re-
ceived petitions from a number of groups; but in no case did that
body see fit to bring any of them before the convention. During 1889
and 1890 the conventions gave some attention to Bowdoin, Yale and
actually admitted Minnesota. At the same time committees were ap-
pointed to look into Chicago and Johns Hopkins, while in the case
of Bowdoin the secretary of the Executive Council was authorized to
visit that college and report to each chapter before the next annual
meeting. Before this convention took place the Executive Council
undertook considerable correspondence in respect to the above three
institutions as well as to Yale, Miami, Massachusetts Institute of Tech-
nology and Swarthmore. Publicity in respect to some of these also
appeared in the Quarterly. As a result the Convention of 1891 had a
number of applications to consider. After some debate the delegates
granted the request of the petitioners from Massachusetts Institute,
tabled motions relative to Chicago, and voted that the Executive Coun-
cil undertake the founding of a group at Johns Hopkins, which was
to apply for a charter as soon as possible. 130
During the ensuing months the Executive Council took under advise-
ment the possibilities at Miami, Wesleyan and Bowdoin as well as
Johns Hopkins and Chicago. In its annual report to the 1892 meeting,
the Council spoke encouragingly of the revival of the Wesleyan, and
Bowdoin Chapters and requested a renewal of authority relative to
Johns Hopkins, Beyond these recommendations the Executive Council
did not go, although it did point out that in time Chicago would
be a place worthy of careful consideration. In debating this report the
convention seems to have passed over Wesleyan without comment,
continued the grant as to Johns Hopkins and voted to admit Bowdoin.
Further, it refused to grant a charter to Swarthmore but unanimously
agreed that Chicago should be admitted as soon as all existing con-
stitutional requirements had been fulfilled. The Executive Council
** Annual, 1886-1891, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1886-1891, Quarterly,
1886-1891.
130 Annual, 1890-1891.
r
z
5
CLOSING YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY 99
was also instructed to stimulate the founding of a society at Leland
Stanford. 131
From that time to the close of the century the Executive Council
and convention undertook to advance the cause of Delta Upsilon at a
number of colleges. Ultimately chapters were placed at Swarthmore,
Stanford, California, McGill, Nebraska and Toronto. Information con-
cerning these appeared at various times in the Quarterly so that the
Fraternity at large seems to have been well informed as to what was
going on. Seventeen chapters were at hand at the 1882 Convention
while thirty-three were present at the 1899 meeting. Further Delta
Upsilon had ceased to be a national fraternity by the admission of two
Canadian chapters; rather had it become a general fraternity. This
growth in the roll of chapters was well matched by the energy and
skill of the Executive Council which devoted much time and labor to
internal affairs. A sounder fiscal policy was adopted, greater solidarity
given to Fraternity publications, encouragement offered to alumni
clubs and at times to chapters, who for various reasons were guided by
the Executive Council until they were able to function independently.
181 Annual, 1893.
i
Chapter VI
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881
THE VERMONT CHAPTER ADDITIONS IN THE MIDDLE WEST AND IN
NEW ENGLAND WESLEYAN BECOMES INACTIVE ROCHESTER, BOW-
DOIN AND RUTGERS THE WASHINGTON AND JEFFERSON CHAPTER-
TRINITY AND MANHATTAN THE HARVARD CHAPTER
N AN earlier chapter considerable attention was paid to the genesis
and development of those societies that had founded the Anti-
Secret Confederation. Other organizations, as was noticed, joined this
Fraternity and played an important part in its history. Of these one
of the most interesting, at least from an historical point of view, was
the society at the University of Vermont. Literary groups seem to have
existed at this institution for a number of years prior to the appearance
of Sigma Phi in 1845. It is likely that opposition to this secret society as
well as a knowledge of the Social Fraternity at Williams prompted
the desire for an anti-secret group at Vermont. Be that as it may, by the
spring of 1850 Henry Wallace and G. Leavenworth were thinking
in terms of an anti-secret society. 182 Under their guidance a group of
students met on May 25, 1850 in North College and took steps towards
the formation of a fraternity. A motto, "Nothing Concealed" was
adopted at this meeting and a committee was appointed to correspond
with the Williams society. Further indication of the spirit and deter-
mination of these students was shown on Commencement day, 1850,
by the wearing of a badge. 133 It was not, however, until September of
the same year, that the Williams society received any notice of the
Vermont organization. In the letter then received there was an expres-
sion of anti-secrecy and a desire that Vermont be admitted into the
Confederation. News of this event was sent by Williams to Union,
182 Soule, A. B., "Founding of Delta Psi." This account is in typewritten form and
is in the possession of the Delta Psi Fraternity of the University of Vermont. The
document bears the date, 1925. Soule believes that direct opposition to secret so-
cieties was not aimed at by the founders of this group; rather was there a desire
to promote friendship without clannish ideas. The evidence as given above would
seem to refute this view to some extent.
183 Idem.
100
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 101
Hamilton and Amherst, all of whom shortly thereafter voted to admit
Vermont into the Fraternity. Information of this action as well as a
suggestion that a new badge be adopted by this society was forwarded
to Burlington. 134 As a result of these various factors Vermont was
accorded a place in the Confederation and attended the Union Con-
vention of 1851. At this meeting as well as that of 1853, which was
held at Burlington, the Vermont group, while loyal to the principles
of anti-secrecy, expressed the desire to retain its own name and badge.
In the interests of good will this request was granted. And what is more
significant, the Articles of Confederation were amended so as to include
an express statement to that effect.
No further mention of Delta Psi appears in any of the sources until
we reach those dealing with the Convention of 1854. Vermont was not
represented at this meeting, though no definite reason was assigned
for her absence. It is evident, however, from the sources available that
some form of disaffection had arisen on the part of the Burlington
group towards the Confederation. As a result, Delta Psi severed its
connection with the Confederation, an act which evoked the passage
of a resolution deploring this action "from causes unknown to us" and
hoping that the "difficulties may be removed so that we may continue
to act harmoniously in so noble a cause." 135 Now the historian of Delta
Psi states that the society withdrew from the Confederation "because
it involved expense and did not confer special benefit." 136 An exami-
nation of the sources reveals that the element of expense had some-
thing to do with the stand taken by the Vermont society. Even before
1854, Delta Psi had called the attention of the other chapters to this
expense item when it deplored the cost of sending a delegate to points
as far south as Hamilton, Union or Williams. 137 On the other hand
there may be some doubt as to the charge that the expense "did not
confer special benefit." Possibly the author has in mind the benefits of
anti-secrecy and the tradition that Delta Psi was founded largely as a
social fraternity without any great desire to combat the existing secret
groups at Burlington.
The inception of Delta Psi, as has been noted, clearly points to the
presence of an anti-secret sentiment; while its entrance into the Con-
federation came as the result of overtures from Delta Psi and not from
334 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams College, Sept. 24, 1850, Minutes
of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, Sept. 26, 1850, Minutes of Delta Sigma,
Nov. 11, 1850, May 16, 1851.
135 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1852.
138 Delta Psi Fraternity f University of Vermont, (Rutland, 1915), p. 13.
^Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, Feb. 19, 1852.
102 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the various chapters. Furthermore, the records of these societies as well
as those dealing with convention proceedings show that Vermont was
quite optimistic as to the cause of anti-secrecy on its campus. Clearly,
there seems to be no doubt but that the founders of Delta Psi were in
sympathy with the aims and ideals of the Confederation. On the other
hand there is evidence to show that the extension of these ideas was
not without difficulty. From the very day of its inception, Delta Psi
encountered considerable trouble. Campus opinion in respect to the
new society was by no means favorable. The College Maul, a student
publication, was extremely bitter in its news and editorial columns of
which the following may serve as an example: "The Delta Psi or Anti-
Secret Society is as decent an affair as anything born of the Freshman
class could be. The extreme verdancy of the members is manifest in
that they believe their society has made them seniors at once. . . .
They have got out a badge a seven gabled sort of a pin and they march
down town arm in arm." This item appeared in an issue of May 22,
1851 and each succeeding number for some time had some taunt or
jeer. "Detestable Psharks," the editor called this society in May, 1854
and even after Delta Psi's withdrawal from the Fraternity similar
remarks appeared in the paper. It is only fair to add that the general
tone of this paper was one of fault-finding and that the secret as well
as the anti-secret societies were the object of constant attack. Even
then, it stands as an expression hostile to Delta Psi and thus made the
early days of this society very uncomfortable. Then again, in addition
to the unfriendly attitude of the College Maul it should be added that
for a time an "intestine Society war" existed on the campus. 138 It is
clear, in the light of this evidence, that Delta Psi was having more
than its share of trouble. To maintain an anti-secret front in the face
of this opposition required considerable courage and effort. Possibly
Delta Psi thought that the contest was not worth the effort and for
that reason, plus the item of expense, decided to withdraw from the
Confederation. It is to be regretted that the records of Delta Psi for
these years have been lost as well as an important letter by that group
to Williams setting forth the reasons for their action. Were these
sources available, doubtless a more accurate picture could be presented.
As it is, one must conclude that expense plus local conditions at
138 College Maul, 1851-1855. This paper appeared at various and uncertain times.
Its editors were unknown at the time and I have, been told that they are still
unknown to this day. I examined the collection at the University of Vermont. The
Daily Free Press of Burlington was also examined but save for the single reference
to the "intestine Society war" in the issue for Sept. 30, 1852, nothing was found.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 103
Burlington created a situation that led to a separation between the
Confederation and Delta Psi.
In 1864 the convention voted to open negotiations with Vermont in
the hope of reestablishing that chapter. Whether any actual overtures
were made is not known. In any event nothing more is heard of Delta
Psi in the councils of Delta Upsilon for many years to come. In the
meantime Western Reserve was restored to membership in the Frater-
nity. Concerning the early history of that chapter very little is known.
It appears that Giles B. Cleveland, Hamilton '50, was a resident of
Hudson, Ohio in 1851 and came into contact with several students of
that institution which was then located at Hudson. Evidently he was
able to stimulate enough interest among these men to bring about the
formation of an anti-secret organization. Sometime in January of that
year, he called the attention of Hamilton to the affair and asked for
the admission of Western Reserve into the Confederation. Hamilton
notified Cleveland that similar letters should be addressed to the other
societies, which in due time seems to have been done. Hamilton,
Williams, Amherst and probably Union voted not later than the spring
of 1851 to admit Western Reserve. 139 According to the Quinquennial
this new society numbered less than fifteen, none of whom belonged
to the class of 1851. This same source lists three other members of the
classes of 1848 to 1850, which may explain why the Quinquennial and
the Manual place the date of the founding of this chapter in i847. 140
In view of the information already given of the activities of Giles
Cleveland it would appear that 1851 would be a more accurate date.
Further, it is not unlikely the three members in question were elected
as honorary members at a later date. Additional confusion to our
knowledge of this chapter is added by a statement in the Quarterly
which asserts that a society known as Delta Psi was organized at
Western Reserve in the fall of 1852 by Henry B. Hosford, Williams
'43. 141 This comment, however, does not agree with the entries in
the records of the Williams, Amherst and Hamilton Chapters rela-
tive to the founding of Western Reserve and for that reason may be
discounted.
Western Reserve became a member of the Confederation in the
^ Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, Jan. 30, Feb. 20, Oct. 30, 1851,
Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, Feb. 25, 1851, Minutes of Delta Sigma,
Feb. 24, 1851.
" Quinquennial, op. cit. f pp. 303-305, Manual of Delta Upsilon, (1929), p. 4*
141 Quarterly, 1:38-40. In the Manual, (1929), p. 4, Delta Psi is stated as having
been founded in 1840.
104 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
spring of 1851 and may have attended the convention held that year
at Union. At least Jacob Fry, Union '51, who was at that meeting,
records Western Reserve as having been present. 142 If this account is
trustworthy, it represents the high water mark of success achieved by
that chapter for many years to come. Further growth was checked by a
series of unfortunate events within the college itself. Financial embar-
rassment and strife between the faculty and the administration mate-
rially reduced the attendance at that institution. A number of students,
including some from the local chapter, matriculated at Williams, Yale
and Amherst. And although the Quinquennial lists additions to the
society in 1852 and 1853, nothing more is heard of it until 1865. No
delegate appeared at any of the conventions, the records of which
contain no mention of Western Reserve. 143 Evidently, it must have
become common knowledge throughout the Confederation that the
college itself was on the verge of dissolution and that any hope for a
continuation of the chapter was entirely out of the question.
In the spring of 1864, John N. Wilson, formerly of the Washington
and Jefferson Chapter, entered Western Reserve and soon took steps
towards the formation of a new society. In this he was ably assisted
by William A. Comstock, Fred B. Buss, George Lee and others. Some
hesitation was expressed on the part of these men as to the advisability
of forming a chapter of Delta Upsilon on account of the small enroll-
ment at Western Reserve as well as the strength of Alpha Delta Phi
and Beta Theta Pi on that campus. Encouraged, however, by the
attitude of the national officers of Delta Upsilon, Wilson and his
co-workers determined to go ahead and in the fall of 1865 pledged
seven out of the freshman class that numbered but eleven students.
Following this a general meeting was held at which the ideals and
objectives of Delta Upsilon were sworn to by all those present. Doubt-
less the establishment of this society was undertaken with the knowl-
edge and consent of the three senior chapters of the Fraternity who
were constitutionally empowered to plant chapters in the interim
between the meetings of the convention. In any event, Western Reserve
was formally admitted as a chapter of Delta Upsilon by the Rochester
Convention in the fall of i866. 144 Western Reserve does not seem to
have been present at this gathering though she did send delegates
**Ibid. 9 111-38-39.
^Quinquennial, op. dt. } pp. 302-304, Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Wil-
liams, Oct. 26, 1852, Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1852, in which
there is a reference to a letter from Western Reserve.
144 Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 78, Our Record, (Oct. & April, 1867, 1868), pp. 24-26.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 105
to the meetings from 1868 to 1873 and again in i88o. 14 5 in 1871 and
1872 she acted as host to the Fraternity. Moreover, she played an
important role in the establishment of the Marietta chapter.
Less than a year before the founding of Western Reserve an anti-
secret society had been started at Wesleyan University, Middletown,
Connecticut. The earliest information relative to this movement is to
be found in the records of the Williams group. It appears that late in
June, 1846 a letter was received by the Social Fraternity stating that
"an association was about to be formed ... to counteract the evil
tendencies of secret societies and asking for some information respect-
ing the regulations of this society." No action on this request is recorded
in the Williams minutes though it seems unlikely that the society
would have allowed an overture of this type to go by unnoticed. This
assumption gains strength in view of a later item in the minutes which
refers to the anti-secret society at Middletown which was now asking
for admittance into the Confederation. This time Williams replied
setting forth the "terms of admission." 146 This letter was doubtless
addressed to James M. Carroll who for some time had been active in
promoting anti-secrecy at Wesleyan. Carroll, according to the Quin-
quennial, had been a member of the Amherst chapter and had matric-
ulated at Wesleyan in the fall of 1850. Here he encountered several
young men from Wilbraham Academy who were decidedly opposed
to the practices of the secret societies. Thanks to the efforts of these
men and the support of Stephen Olin, President of Wesleyan, Carroll
was able to effect an organization in October, 1850.
According to the existing constitution of the Confederation a peti-
tioning society might be admitted to the fraternity upon the approval
of the several chapters. Probably their consent was obtained although
there is no reference of the society having been represented at the
Union Convention in July, iSsi. 147 Wesleyan 's absence may be ex-
plained by the fact that, although the chapter had started out most
propitiously, internal discord had appeared from the very first. Lack
of proper harmony within the chapter was caused by the careless
method used in the selection of members. Any student, in short, who
avowed opposition to secrecy was "allowed to join." As a result the
chapter soon had among its members, persons of diverging and con-
flicting characteristics. By the summer of 1851 the personnel of the
145 The Quinquennial states that Rochester proxied for Western Reserve at this
meeting; see ibid., p. 78.
140 Records of the Social Fraternity of Williams, June 30, 1846, Oct. 22, 1850.
wr Quarterly, 111:38-39.
106 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
chapter appears to have been sadly out of sympathy with the funda-
mental interests of the Confederation. Further, Dr. Olin died about
this time and the chapter was deprived of his valuable aid and counsel.
In addition, there seems to have been a direct attack upon the chapter
by the secret societies. 148 The accumulative effects of these various
forces doubtless disheartened the Wesleyan group to a marked degree.
For a time efforts were made to keep the chapter alive, but by July,
1852, the Equitable Fraternity, as the Wesleyan group had styled itself,
seems to have been dissolved. 149 Information of this event was for-
warded to the officers of the Confederation which at the 1852 Conven-
tion resolved "That we learn with sorrow the unpromising condition
of the Chapter at Wesleyan University; that we tender to those who
remain faithful to our principles our sincere sympathy, and earnestly
recommend to them to take courage and go forward." 150 These expres-
sions of sympathy failed to revive the interests of the few members
left at Wesleyan, some of whom joined other societies on the campus.
By the close of 1852, Wesleyan ceased to exist, though its charter was
not formally withdrawn until 1909. Early in December, 1919, the
Fraternity reestablished a chapter at this institution.
The Equitable Fraternity was also the name assumed by the Colby
Chapter until it elected in August, 1858 to use Delta Upsilon as its
official name. The genesis of this society dates from the late spring of
1852 when Daniel W. Wilcox, at one time a student at Amherst, suc-
ceeded in interesting a group of Colby students in the ideals of the
Confederation. These men had lately experienced harsh treatment at
the hands of the secret societies who had assumed an hostile attitude
towards all non-fraternity men. It seems likely that Wilcox had been
a member of the Amherst Chapter, though his name is not so listed in
the Quinquennial. 151 Thanks to his efforts a meeting was called July
15, 1852 for the purpose of organizing an anti-secret society. At this
gathering a constitution was read and adopted. Officers were also
chosen, which on comparison with the names listed in the Quin-
quennial would lead to the conclusion that the society numbered three
men of the class of 1852, four of 1853, and one of i854. 152 In the light
148 Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 315.
148 Minutes of Delta Sigma, Amherst, July 19, 1852.
150 Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 315, Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon,
1852.
m Quinquennial, op. tit., pp. 254-266, 324, 329, 716; see also Quarterly, XX.20O-
202, XLVII:4oo. Colby was then known as Waterville College.
^Minutes of the Equitable Fraternity of Colby, July 15, 1852.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 107
of the above evidence it seems reasonable to assume that Wilcox and
his friends had it in mind to seek admission into the Confederation.
Indeed formal action along this line was taken at a meeting held
July 23, 1852. Information concerning this reached Amherst some time
in early August, though it was not until late October of the same year
that Williams heard of the Colby group. Both of these chapters voted
to admit the Colby society into the Confederation. 153 Copies of Colby's
petition were also in all probability sent to Union and Hamilton.
Vermont and Wesleyan may also have been informed and possibly
Western Reserve which had been founded the year before.
According to the constitution of the Confederation a petitioning
body was to be admitted only after the President of the Fraternity had
received favorable votes from all the chapters. The question, there-
fore, arises as to when this consent was obtained and upon the answer
depends the exact date of the establishment of the Colby Chapter.
Now the term Equitable Fraternity first appears in the Colby records
on September 20, 1852. By this time Amherst had voted to admit Colby,
though Williams took no action until November of the same year.
No evidence is at hand to tell when Union and Hamilton acted.
Further, Colby was not present at the 1852 Convention, and the records
of this gathering have no reference to Colby in any respect. Reference
is made to Wesleyan and Western Reserve, which would tend to create
the impression that the delegates did not at that time rank the Water-
ville group as members of the Fraternity. Colby, moreover, was not
present at any convention until 1857. Her absence, however, in 1854
need not argue against her existence at that time in the Confederation.
Other chapters were not present at this or later meetings and yet are
rightly viewed as belonging to the Fraternity. Colby, therefore, was
doubtless admitted by all of the chapters sometime after November 2,
1852 which is the date when Williams cast her vote to accept Colby
into the Confederation.
From then until the spring of 1865 Colby remained within the
Fraternity. During these years the society more than held its own
against the attacks of the secret fraternities. Its meetings for a time
were held in one of the college rooms, though later they were moved
to a hall on Main Street. Here various public literary exercises were
held to which both students and town people were invited. Eighty-one
students joined the society from 1855 to 1862, a fact that gave the
., July 23, 1852, Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, Nov. 2,
1852, Minutes of Delta Sigma, Aug. 9, 1852.
io8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
chapter a commanding place on the campus from both the faculty and
student body. Aided by this local growth, Colby was ably represented
at the conventions from 1857 to l862 > anc * * n l86]L was ^ ost to the
general Fraternity. Prospects for further progress were greatly enhanced
by the initiation of nineteen men of the class of 1862. Seventeen more
were gained from the classes of 1863 and 1864. By this time, however,
the situation between the North and the South had become so acute
that war seemed almost inevitable. And when hostilities did break
forth in the spring of 1861 a large number of the chapter enlisted in
the Federal armies. These withdrawals together with a general falling
off in college matriculations weakened the local group to a marked
degree. Only eight members were added during the course of the next
three years. By 1864 the chapter numbered but fifteen and of these
seven soon left to enter military service. By the spring of the following
year there were but four members left. To these the outlook seemed
so hopeless that after some debate the society voted to disband. 154 With
this action, Delta Upsilon disappeared from Colby. Thirteen years
later, however, the chapter was reestablished. At that time a group of
students became desirous of forming a fraternity for literary and social
reasons. "Through the efforts of James Jenkins, '79, an honorably
discharged member of D. K. E., correspondence was opened; and
through the kindness of the Amherst Chapter, in the autumn of '78,
Colby again took her place in the ranks of the brotherhood." 155
About the same time that Colby was originally admitted to the
Confederation, efforts appear to have been made towards the establish-
ment of an anti-secret society at Rochester University. No precise date
can be given as to when this movement took place, though it must
have been after 1851. Prior to that year student activity at Rochester
was limited to membership in one of the two existing literary societies.
The advent of secret fraternities in 1851 greatly hampered the life of
the literary groups and elicited from some of the members a desire to
combat the evils of secrecy. This desire bore fruit in the organization
of an anti-secret society whose existence, however, was speedily brought
to an end by the combined efforts of their enemies. Defeated in their
endeavor, some of the members of the anti-secret society formed a new
Quinquennial, op. cit , p. 325. In a letter to Rutgers, April 20, 1863, Colby
reported that she still held meetings and maintained a hall, but was weakened
by enlistments "in the great contest."
^Idem. The convention ratified Amherst 's action, Oct. 17, 1878, which from the
point of view of the constitution becomes the date of the reestablishment of the
Colby Chapter.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 109
literary club and in this manner managed to keep alive the idea of
opposition to secrecy. 156
In the meantime information as to what was going on at Rochester
reached Hamilton. Sentiment favorable to the extension of the Frater-
nity appealed strongly to the men of that chapter. Accordingly Hamil-
ton voted to take immediate steps towards the planting of an anti-secret
organization at Rochester. Now it so happened that one of the alumni
of the Hamilton group, Milton T. Hills, was living at that time near
Mt. Morris, New York, which is located somewhat to the south of
Rochester. Hills was asked by his chapter to visit Rochester for the
purpose of founding a branch of the Confederation. This he agreed
to do and early in March, 1853, Hills was officially credited by the
Hamilton group as "our delegate" to Rochester. 157 Hills visited
Rochester and immediately got in touch with certain students of the
former anti-secret society. Among these was Fordyce Williams whose
interest and devotion to the Fraternity won for him the title of the
"founder of the Rochester Chapter." Hills together with Williams was
able to gain the support of six others in the establishment of an anti-
secret society. Cautioned, however, by past experience, these men deter-
mined to say nothing at all of their plans until such time as they were
strong enough to meet any attack that might be directed against them
by the secret fraternities. During this period a room was obtained on
Exchange Street and a petition seeking membership in the Confedera-
tion was addressed to all of the chapters. 158 Amherst gave its unanimous
consent on March 28, 1853. Williams, more meticulous in respect to
the national constitution, referred the petition to Peter Smeallie of
Union who at that time was President of the Confederation. Evidently,
Smeallie endorsed what Hamilton had done as Williams accepted the
Rochester group early in June of the same year. Smeallie's action also
carried with it the approval of the Union group. No evidence is at
hand to record the position taken by Western Reserve and Colby.
It is likely, in view of the chaotic conditions at Hudson, Ohio, that no
attempt was made to gain the consent of that society. In the case of
Colby it seems reasonable to assume that its consent was secured. It
should be noted that the constitution at that time did not require as a
condition for membership in the Confederation a vote of the con-
vention. This being the case it seems safe to fix the date of the founding
108 Quinquennial, op. cit., pp 345-346; see also Manual of Delta Upsilon (1929),
P- 5-
107 Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, Jan. 28, Mar. 3, 1853.
158 See above, note No. 156. Both of these sources refer to the adoption of a
badge, while the Manual, also states the society was known as Ov6b> A5W.
no DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of the Rochester Chapter as being not later than the middle of
June, iSss. 159
Rochester was represented at the Williams Convention of 1854 by
John N. Whidden, one of the seven charter members of the new
chapter. Furthermore, Rochester had a delegate at every convention
from 1854 to 1880 inclusive with the single exception of that for 1861.
During these years Rochester also acted as host to the general Frater-
nity three times. It was Rochester, moreover, that courageously
cooperated with Hamilton and Middlebury in advancing the ideals
and extension of the fraternity after Williams, Union and Amherst
had been lost. The Rochester men of these years have left behind them
an enviable record.
During these years chapters had been established at Bowdoin and
Rutgers. To a certain extent interest in anti-secrecy at these two insti-
tutions may have resulted from the action of the Convention of 1857
which had gone on record as favoring the planting of chapters where
the Confederation did not exist. No particular university or college
was mentioned but it may well be that Bowdoin and Rutgers were in
the minds of those who had attended that national gathering. Both
of these institutions were likely places for fraternity expansion; Rutgers
having been founded shortly before the American Revolution, while
Bowdoin received its start in 1802. Again secret societies existed at both
of these schools, which in itself was an invitation for the Confederation
to extend its influence in their direction.
Direct opposition, moreover, to the practice of the Bowdoin secret
fraternities demonstrated itself in the fall of 1857 by the actual forma-
tion of an anti-secret society. This fact is established from an entry in
the second issue of the Bowdoin Bugle for 1858 in which it appears
that Levi R. Leavitt was listed as president, Winthrop Norton, vice-
president, James L. Phillips, corresponding secretary, Marcus Wight,
recording secretary, Nelson P. Cram, treasurer. Edwin A. Harlow, John
E. Butler, Albert De F. Palmer, Gustavus S. Palmer, Reuben A.
Rideout, Henry S. B. Smith and Samuel W. Pearson are listed as
members. 160 Upon their labors and efforts rested the future chapter of
the Confederation. Information of these activities may have been
^Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton, June 2, 1853, Minutes of the
Social Fraternity of Williams, June 7, July i, 1853, and Minutes of Delta Sigma,
Amherst, Mar. 28, 1853. See the Manual, op. cit., p. 5, for an earlier date which
probably is incorrect in view of the above evidence.
160 1 am indebted to Donald K. Usher, Bowdoin '35, for this information. In the
Polar Bear, publication of the Bowdoin Chapter, for May 25, 1933, it is staled that
the society organized Oct. 28, 1857.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 111
known to the chapters assembled at the 1857 Convention though it
was not until the following year that the convention instructed its
secretary to write to the "new chapter" at Bowdoin tendering aid in
their struggle to form an anti-secret society. The use of the words "new
chapter" does not indicate the presence of a group that had been
lawfully admitted into the Confederation. Rather should it be inter-
preted as the expression of a wish that the local group might in time
be a member of the Fraternity. Later in the same year, 1858, Williams
gave its consent to the petitioning group at Bowdoin and on July 6,
1859 the Convention meeting at Springfield formally admitted Bowdoin
as a chapter of the Fraternity. 161
Bowdoin was represented at this gathering but did not attend the
next meeting in 1861. During these years the chapter grew from the
original twelve to twenty-four. The reason why Bowdoin was not
present at the 1861 meeting is simply this, the chapter was no longer
in existence. Two factors have been advanced to explain the decline of
this society. In the first place the success that had attended the efforts
of the group against the secret fraternities seems to have reduced the
spirit and morale of the members, the leaders of whom were largely
lost by graduation in 1860. Again, the advent of the Civil War lessened
the size of the chapter and at the same time dampened an enthusiasm
for Delta Upsilon that was hard to maintain in the face of renewed
opposition by the secret societies. The loss of the Bowdoin Chapter
was not forgotten by Delta Upsilon. In 1879 the convention spoke
most favorably upon the reestablishment of the society but it was not
until 1890 that actual steps were taken towards this end. At the con-
vention of that year the Council was instructed to consider the advis-
ability of reestablishing the society. This was done and a favorable
report was presented by the Council to the next convention. Finally
at the Colby Convention in 1892 a petition was considered, which
petition was supported by Harry E. Bryant and Edward P. Loring,
members of the local group at Bowdoin. The delegates voted to admit
the petitioners and on the evening of October 14, 1892 fifteen men
were formally initiated as a chapter of Delta Upsilon at the Falmouth
House in Portland, Maine. 162
In the meantime Rutgers had been admitted to the Fraternity by
convention action, July 6, 1859. Anti-secret sentiment first showed
161 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1857-1859, Minutes of the Social
Fraternity of Williams, Oct. 12, 1858.
182 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1861, 1879, 1890-1892, Quin-
quennial, op. tit., pp. 391-392, Polar Bear, May 25, 1933.
112 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
itself at Rutgers sometime during the fall of 1850. Who the leaders of
this movement were is not known, though it is established that com-
munications were addressed to both Hamilton and Amherst asking
for guidance in counteracting the evils of secret associations. 163
Whether any reply was ever given to these overtures is not known.
Eight years later, however, another attempt was made and this time
with success. Those interested in the affair were not at first thinking
in terms of an anti-secret society. Their chief concern seems to have
centered about the idea of forming a rival organization to the existing
fraternities whose practices in the literary societies had aroused con-
siderable comment. There were some indeed who were anxious to have
a group formed with the view of petitioning one of the secret frater-
nities not represented at Rutgers. Strong opposition to this idea was
immediately raised when it was found that at least a year would have
to take place before any definite organization could be effected. As a
result opinion which had favored the founding of an anti-secret society
gained control. 164
After this preliminary survey of opinions and ideas, the leaders
called a meeting in Alonzo P. Peeke's room on the evening ol May 24,
1859. Among those present in addition to Peeke were Suydam, Beards-
lee, De Witt, Hageman, Skillman, Bodine, Wyckoff and Rogers. 165
What took place at this gathering is not known except for the all-
important fact, namely that an anti-secret organization was established.
It is evident, moreover, from other sources that Peeke was instructed
to communicate with Amherst as to admission into the Confederation.
Amherst was addressed because of the presence at the Rutgers Theo-
logical Seminary of Denis Wortman, a member of the Amherst Chapter.
Wortman, moreover, seems to have assisted the group in their early
efforts. Peeke carried out his orders and set forth in his letter the ideals
of the local group. Amherst replied that she would gladly support
Rutgers at the next convention in whose hands the admission of new
chapters rested by virtue of the constitution. Amherst encouraged
Peeke to go ahead and adopt a body of anti-secret principles and
pledge those men who could be relied upon to carry out the ideals of
the Confederation. 166 Evidently, the Rutgers men seemed pleased with
163 Minutes of Delta Sigma, Sept. 9, 1850, Minutes of the Social Fraternity of
Hamilton, Sept. 26, 1850.
184 These facts were gleaned from a number of letters in the possession of the
Rutgers Chapter, notably one from W. J. Skillman who insisted that the genesis
of the chapter did not rest on the principle of anti -secrecy.
165 Journal of Samuel J. Rogers, May 24, 1858, referred to in the Rutgers records.
166 Amherst to Rutgers, June 3, 12, 1858.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 113
the prospects as on Commencement Day, June, 1858, they appeared
on the campus wearing silken badges on which was stamped the motto
of the Confederation. 167
At the opening of college in the fall of the same year, the Rutgers
anti-secret society under the direction of its president opened up nego-
tiations with the Williams Chapter. Williams replied by stating that a
unanimous vote in favor of Rutgers had been taken at a chapter
meeting and that it was sending a copy of her constitution together
with several anti-secret tracts. By May, 1859 all of the chapters had
given their consent to the Rutgers society becoming a member of the
Confederation. To all intents and purposes Rutgers was now on equal
terms with the other chapters. All that remained to be done was to
introduce a formal petition at the next convention, which was under-
taken by Benjamin W. Rogers and John W. Beardslee at Springfield,
July 6, 1859. The convention's vote taken that day, formally declared
the existence of the Rutgers Chapter. 168
Rutgers started out with a chapter of twenty-one members. A room
was secured on Church Street, a few doors from George, for which one
dollar was paid for each meeting. Later a room was rented at the same
rate over an engine house on George Street near the corner of Schure-
man. Some time thereafter a second story room on Hiram Street was
secured for ninety dollars a year. Considerable attention was paid by
the society to literary activities, sessions of which were frequently
public. Rutgers, moreover, was present at every national gathering, as
covered by this chapter, with the single exception of that for 1873
when she reported by letter. She was also of invaluable aid in 1864
when her presence at the Middlebury Convention doubtless prevented
a dissolution of the Confederation. At the same time, Rutgers entered
into a period of internal decline due probably to the ravages of the
Civil War. By the spring of 1866, there were but three men in the
chapter and for a time it appeared as though the society might die.
The crisis, however, was bridged and from that day to this Rutgers
has held a high place among the chapters of Delta Upsilon.
Next in the roll of the chapters was the society founded at Wash-
ington and Jefferson. Prior to 1865 this college consisted of two separate
institutions, one at Washington, known as Washington College; the
167 S. J. Rogers in 1908 sent to his chapter the badge that he wore in 1858; this
badge is still in the possession of the Rutgers Chapter.
188 Minutes o the Rutgers Chapter, Oct. 15, 1858, Williams to Rutgers, Oct. 27,
1858, Rochester to Rutgers, Dec. 8, 1858. A. H. Shearer has an interesting account
of the early history of this chapter in the Quarterly, XXIX.37g-s85. See also, Amherst
to Rutgers, Feb. 15, 1859, H. C. Haskell to Rutgers, May 13, 1859.
ii4 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
other at Cannonsburg, known as Jefferson College. Both of these
schools originally had been academies but by act of the state legislature
were named colleges in 1806 and 1802 respectively. 169 At both of these
colleges there existed before 1862 five secret societies whose members
sought in more ways than one to dominate and control student life
to the evident disadvantage of the neutrals. Among the latter there
were some who were opposed to secrecy as well as the practices of the
existing fraternities. One of these was Stephen A. Califf of Jefferson,
who sought for and obtained information relative to the Social Frater-
nity at Williams and proceeded to inform his friends of the merits of
the Fraternity. Much enthusiasm was shown by these men with the
result that in "March, 1860, the gold and gems of Delta Upsilon flashed
in the village streets and shone in the college hallways." 170 Hamilton,
according to the Quinquennial, seems to have aided the local group
in their preliminary organization. An examination of the available
sources, however, fails to show that any of the chapters took any action
at that time in respect to admitting the group into the Fraternity.
Had the Civil War not occurred it is likely that something might have
been done in 1861. As it was, the affair was first brought before the
Fraternity at the 1865 Convention by George Templeton of Jefferson
College, Templeton's report of conditions at Jefferson convinced the
delegates of the wisdom of admitting the local society to membership.
This action was taken on May 14, 1862, which according to the con-
stitution then in force, is the correct date for fixing the establishment
of the Jefferson Chapter.
During the next three years this chapter seems to have maintained
a healthy existence and that in spite of the War which took some of
the members from college. At the same time the secret fraternities
sought to embarrass the work of Delta Upsilon. The combined effect
of these influences tended to reduce but not destroy the chapter. In the
fall of 1863 there were twenty-one members in the chapter; a year
later it was considerably lower. Conscious of this decline the members
sought to stimulate interest by increased communications with the
other chapters. It reminded each in turn that the constitution called
for active correspondence and that had this been followed the Frater-
nity would not have lost Union and Bowdoin or seen others "secede
like Williams and Amherst." For a time there was also some prospect
of a convention being held at Cannonsburg, but conditions ultimately
forced that chapter to give up the distinction. And yet, the members
** Quinquennial, op. cit. t pp. 418-419.
170 Ibid., pp. 419-420.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 115
refused to consider their chapter a failure; instead they continued to
write to the other societies and were the first to propose the establish-
ment of a uniform ritual for the Fraternity. 171
In 1866, John D, Shafer represented that chapter at the Rochester
Convention and presented a petition that reflected a change in the
educational policy of the state of Pennsylvania. Pressed for funds, the
legislature had combined the colleges at Washington and Cannonsburg
in 1865 under the joint name of Washington and Jefferson. Prepara-
tory and Freshman instruction was to be continued at Washington,
while the Sophomore, Junior and Senior work was to be given at
Cannonsburg. As a result membership in the chapter became divided
between the two colleges. To meet this situation, Shafer proposed that
a separate chapter be established at Washington. According to the
meagre information given in the Quinquennial of the 1866 Conven-
tion, Shafer's proposal was laid on the table and there the matter
rested. 172 The Jefferson Chapter, now known as the Washington and
Jefferson Chapter, continued, therefore, to exist with members at both
colleges. This division did little to help the growth of Delta Upsilon,
though the chapter was able to keep alive with a fair number of
students in each class. For a brief period the chapter gained local
recognition by reason of the action of the President of the College
requiring all prospective students to sign a statement which bound
them from joining any secret society. This naturally led to an exten-
sion of the chapter, an extension, however, that also resulted later
in a corresponding decline. Being anti-secret and yet having no secret
societies to contend against, the position of Delta Upsilon became
somewhat of an anomaly. At the close of the school year 1867, there
were but nine members at Washington and sixteen at Cannonsburg.
By the fall o the same year the total number had fallen to eleven,
most of whom were at Cannonsburg. In spite of this decline, the chapter
was represented at the Conventions of 1868 and 1869, the latter being
the last gathering attended by Washington and Jefferson. 178
During 1869 the state legislature passed a measure that resulted in
the grouping of all departments of the college at Washington. Certain
members of the Board of Trustees who had opposed this action brought
171 Washington and Jefferson to Rochester, Oct. 14, 1862, Washington and Jeffer-
so to Rutgers, Oct. 20, 1863, April 12, Oct. 15, 1864.
172 Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 79. The date 1860, as given in the Quinquennial.
is wrong.
178 Washington and Jefferson to Rutgers, July 5, Sept. 24, 1867, and Hamilton to
Rutgers, Sept. 23, 1867. The President of the College was a member of Delta
Upsilon.
n6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
suit in both the state and federal courts asking among other things
that an injunction be issued preventing instruction at Washington,
Although this plea was ultimately denied the result was, pending final
settlement, that classes at Washington were practically closed; all of
which did little to help the local chapter. Many of the members left
for other colleges, one of whom, William Hartzell, went to Amherst
where he played, as has been shown, an active role in Fraternity life.
Of the class of 1870, as listed in the Quinquennial, three graduated
from other colleges. And when the college opened in the fall there was
but one Delta Upsilon left in the chapter. In all probability he was
S. R. Frazier. Writing to Amherst in January, 1871, Frazier stated
that one other name had been added to the chapter roll. Although
greatly disturbed over the condition of things, Frazier believed that
matters would improve. In this, however, he was to be disappointed
as the chapter seems to have gone out of existence shortly thereafter. 174
At the 1874 Convention some talk took place as to reviving the chapter,
without, however, any tangible result. Two years later a committee
was appointed to investigate conditions with a view of reestablishing
the Washington and Jefferson Chapter. This committee reported that
conditions there were not favorable, and with that the committee was
discharged. Nine years later, Crossett broached the matter to the
Council as well as to a number of the chapters. Even then, though
some interest was shown, nothing was actually accomplished. Since
then, while there has been some talk of reviving the chapter and in
one case a petition from a local group was considered, nothing positive
has been done. The loss of the Washington and Jefferson Chapter,
therefore, seems to have been due largely to the change in policy
towards this institution by the state legislature. Other factors, such as
the effects of the Civil War, the absence of secret societies after 1867
and the difficulties relative to maintaining a chapter with its members
divided between two campuses were also significant in bringing to an
end the Washington and Jefferson Chapter of Delta Upsilon. 175
The loss of this chapter, in one sense, was compensated for by the
addition of a number of societies elsewhere. First in order of priority
was the group planted at Madison University, as Colgate was then
known. During the early history of this institution there seem to have
been two literary organizations known as Aeonia and Adelphia.
Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 431-434, S. R. Frazier to Amherst, Jan. 25, 1871,
Hamilton to Amherst, Oct. 17, 1871.
175 Annual, 1874-1877, Crossett to Rutgers, May 11, 1886, Minutes of the Rutgers
Chapter, May 14, 1886. The charter was withdrawn in 1909.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 117
Membership in these groups was open to all and from all accounts
perfect harmony existed between them. The advent of a secret society
in 1865 brought about a change that caused much discord and ill feel-
ing. Opposition to the practices of this Greek letter fraternity laid the
foundations for the inception of a chapter of Delta Upsilon. During
the fall of the same year one Clark B. Oakley, Rochester '64, matric-
ulated at Madison. Oakley soon had an opportunity of explaining to a
small number of men the merits of anti-secrecy. As a result five students
gathered one November evening at the rooms of George O. Whitney
and having examined the constitution of the Fraternity formed them-
selves into a society pledged to carry out the ideals and principles of
Delta Upsilon. In all probability contact had already been established
by that time with the Vice-President of Delta Upsilon who recognized
the installation of these men by Oakley as having been official. Definite
endorsement of his act occurred at the 1866 Convention, from which
it may be said, dates the establishment of the Madison Chapter. 176
This assembly also approved of the founding of a society at New
York University. Here too opposition on the part of a neutral element
to the monopolistic tendencies of the three secret societies paved the
way for Delta Upsilon. It would appear that these secret groups so
completely dominated student life and activity that the members of
one of the literary societies, Eucleian, formed the so-called "Neutral
League." This society immediately undertook to establish an open
door policy in all literary and class elections. Foremost among its
leaders were Isaac F. Ludlam and John Ogle who held the League
together during the trying months of 1864 and 1865. Victory crowned
their efforts and the "Neutral League" resolved itself into an "Anti-
Secret Society." At this juncture Delta Upsilon stepped in and directed
the future of the organization. Finally, on December 19, 1865, fourteen
students of the University formally received the Fraternity pledge by
George W. Martin, Samuel D. Wilcox, and Otis J. Eddy, all of the
Hamilton Chapter. Information concerning this action was brought
before the Convention of 1866 which voted to sustain this installation.
And with this vote a chapter of Delta Upsilon was officially planted
at New York University. 177
178 Quinquennial, op. cit , pp. 78, 458-459, Quarterly, 11:6-7, XIV: 19-22, Minutes
of the Social Fraternity of Williams, July 20, 1847. Madison acquired rooms in
one of the business blocks of the village and in 1873 moved into rooms in the
"new Smith block," where they remained for nine years. In 1881 a movement was
begun which resulted in the acquisition of a Fraternity House, which was first
occupied in December, 1882. Colgate claims to be the first chapter to own its
own home.
177 Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 78, 477-478.
n8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
For the next few years the New York Chapter enjoyed success and
prestige, and that in spite of the opposition of the secret societies who
tried to break the morale of the group. As an illustration, an episode
as given in the Quinquennial is of interest. It appears that in accord-
ance with the chapter's constitution, each member was required to
support the society's candidate in any election in Eucleian. One mem-
ber, however, unknown to the chapter, betrayed his brothers by throw-
ing his vote to a Greek letter man with the result that Delta Upsilon
lost the election. Not until the Junior Exhibition in March, 1866 was
it known who had violated his oath and pledge to the chapter. At this
Exhibition the "betrayer 'swung out* a Zeta Psi pin and was duly
expelled." To safeguard against similar occurrences in the future, the
chapter revised its ritual so as to provide for the giving of the pledge
with particular solemnity, hoping, thereby, to impress upon each
novice the seriousness as well as the sanctity of the oath that had been
taken. Later this procedure was modified and in time was displaced
by the pledge as given in the constitution of the Fraternity. 178
In the meantime, campus opinion had endorsed the new society.
The Chancellor of the University as well as three members of the
faculty accepted honorary membership in the Fraternity. The faculty,
moreover, in the fall of 1869 began informing the parents of prospec-
tive students of the evils of secret societies. This act greatly encouraged
the New York Chapter who seem to have petitioned the faculty to
make public their warning to parents. At the same time the chapter
abolished all initiation fees and dues, and placed the finances upon a
voluntary basis. 179 In addition to these interesting facts, it should be
noticed that the society held its meetings in the lodge of the Graduate
Club of New York, an organization of Delta Upsilon that did much
to further the growth of the Fraternity during its span of existence.
At these meetings the New York Chapter resolved to aid in the found-
ing of a chapter at the College of the City of New York, and after that
had been won, threw open its club rooms to the members of the new
chapter.
Shortly thereafter the New York Chapter underwent a rapid decline.
In part this was due to the graduation in 1878 of some who had played
an active r61e in the life of the society. Again, the secret groups know-
ing of this weakened condition sought to seduce some of the remaining
members away from Delta Upsilon. Amid these conditions the chapter
became sadly deranged and for a time appeared to be on the verge of
d v 478-479-
17 *Idem. See also, New York to Rutgers, Oct. 2, 18
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 119
dissolution. Thanks, however, to the efforts of two former members,
the society was kept intact, even though the chapter numbered but
two, neither of whom were at the 1878 Convention. New York's
absence was noticed, particularly as her delegates had been rather
active in past meetings. As a result the convention instructed the
Rutgers Chapter to look into conditions at New York. To what extent
this order was followed is not known; but if it were, the Rutgers men
soon found out that the alumni were hard at work trying to keep the
society going. Additions were made from the entering freshman class
and delegates appeared at the 1879 and 1880 Conventions. Conditions,
however, were still none too promising. The report of the delegate in
1880 was most disappointing. He frankly stated that this might be the
last heard of the New York Chapter as the society numbered but five
members, all of whom were seniors. The society, however, did not
expire and was able through its representatives at the Brown Con-
vention of 1881 to report that the chapter had seven members who
were determined to continue the growth and development of Delta
Upsilon on their campus. 180
The founding of the New York Chapter was followed two years
later by the appearance of a society at Miami University, Oxford,
Ohio. Very little is known of the inception of this chapter. It appears
that prior to the arrival of Delta Upsilon, four secret fraternities
existed at Miami and in their hands much of student life centered.
Opposition to the habits of these societies existed among some of the
more alert independents who seem to have been desirous of forming
an organization which would cultivate a more wholesome feeling
among all students. Doubtless some of these were actuated by sincere
convictions and were strongly of the opinion that the secret groups
were not all they should be. At this point there arrived at Miami,
John M. Robinson, a member of the Marietta Chapter. Robinson at
once urged upon the dissatisfied students the idea of Delta Upsilon,
and in March, 1868, he initiated six men into the Fraternity. Later
in the same year he pled the cause of Miami at the Rutgers Conven-
tion with the result that the society was admitted by unanimous vote,
May 13, 1858. Fo^ a few years the chapter seems to have enjoyed some
success. Its numbers slowly increased, while its delegates appeared at
every convention. Unfortunately, the University experienced financial
difficulties, and although some of the alumni attempted to bolster up
the fortunes of the institution, it soon appeared that Miami would
have to close its doors. The effect of this disturbing factor was reflected
180 Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 479-480, Annual, 1870, 1880, 1881.
120 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
in the life of the chapter. No delegate attended the 1873 Convention
and although that body voted to have its next meeting at Miami, the
local men, much to their regret, had to decline the honor. In a letter
to Amherst, Miami expressed its sorrow in not being able to have the
convention and clearly intimated that though they hoped to be present
at the next national meeting, present appearances argued against such
good fortune. After graduation in 1873, the University closed its doors.
As a consequence, Delta Upsilon ceased to exist until it was reestab-
lished in igo8. 181
Interest in literary work rather than opposition to secrecy consti-
tuted the ground-work upon which the Brown Chapter of Delta
Upsilon was built. Prior to 1860 there existed at that institution five
national Greek letter fraternities whose ideals and aims found little
expression in debate or literary exercises. Doubtless some of the frater-
nity men paid attention to these activities, but, in the main, such
efforts were left entirely in the hands of several literary societies whose
existence was little more than nominal. Actual opportunity for the
development of skill in public disputation was none too common at
Brown. Believing in the merits of these exercises and aware that stu-
dent life offered no avenue for the expressions of their desires, several
of the freshman class of 1860 determined to take steps towards the
foundation of an active and virile literary group. A meeting of these
men seems to have taken place on November of that year, at which a
committee was appointed to consult with the University President as
to the wisdom of forming such an organization. The reaction of
President Sears was most encouraging. Immediately thereafter there
appeared on the campus the Gamma Nu Society whose constitution
and name had been supplied by a Yale group which was chiefly devoted
to literary pursuits. As indicative of their objective, the Brown men
adopted as their badge a pin formed like a book. At first the mem-
bership was restricted to students of the two lower classes but by
1867 Juniors and Seniors were allowed to join. Literary work always
formed the chief aim of its members, and judging from the records of
that group many an interesting and lively session took place. By this
time the secret fraternities became aware that Gamma Nu was detract-
ing from their influence and power. Accordingly a contest ensued in
which the Greek letter men were able to- gain some advantage. Several
of the members of Gamma Nu broke their vows and joined the secret
organizations. Although these desertions were keenly felt, Gamma Nu
^Quinquennial, op cit. } pp 82, 492-498, Miami to Amherst, June 14, 1873,
Annual 1870-1873.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 121
continued its work and in 1867 sought to knit its members more closely
together by the adoption of a new pin formed by a gold star and
wreath. Further, in the spring of 1868 the society held its first public
exercise; an event that demonstrated beyond all doubt that Gamma Nu
had won a firm place in the student life at Brown.
In the meantime, Henry R. Waite, whose interest in the Fraternity
has already been noted, approached Gamma Nu with a view of its
becoming a chapter of Delta Upsilon. Brown University, one of the
oldest in the country, was a most attractive field for fraternity expan-
sion, since the ideals and practices of the local group there were in
many respects identical with those of the Fraternity. Considerable
correspondence followed with the result that on May 22, 1868, Gamma
Nu voted to accept the offer that had been made by Waite. This
devoted worker immediately made plans to visit Providence and on
June i of the same year he gave the Fraternity pledge to seventeen
members of what actually amounted to a chapter of Delta Upsilon.
Although this installation had in no wise been ordered by the various
chapters, not a single voice was raised in protest, so willing were all
for the Fraternity to enter Brown University. Accordingly on June 9,
1869 the Convention formally voted to admit Gamma Nu into Delta
Upsilon. Within a year a hall was furnished, largely as a gift of some
of the citizens of Providence, which did much to stimulate interest in
Delta Upsilon. Public entertainments at which orations and speeches
were delivered reflected the growing strength of the chapter. This
literary effort, which was continued for a long time, was matched by
the publication of a college annual, known as the Caduceus. Finally,
it should be noted that the Conventions of 1870 and 1881 were held
at Providence. 182
The addition of Brown to Delta Upsilon coincided with the estab-
lishment of a society at Cornell. Although much younger than Brown,
Cornell University, thanks to the generosity of its founder, Ezra
Cornell, and the splendid leadership of its first president, Andrew
D. White, was a most inviting field for fraternity life and service.
Hardly had it opened its doors when three secret societies were founded.
The unhappy practices, however, of these groups led to some dissatis-
faction and discord with the result that a rival society known as the
"Independent Organization" came into being. Immediately the secret
fraternities swung into action and through the medium of the Cornell
Era, a student paper edited and controlled by these groups, a sharp
182 Most of the material for this sketch of Brown has been taken from the ac-
count in the Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 83, 435-438.
122 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
attack was made upon the Independents. Ridicule and abuse that was
by no means a compliment to its authors were hurled upon the Inde-
pendents. By way of reply, George F. Behringer, one of the leaders
of the Independents and formerly a member of the New York Chapter,
published a communication in the Cornell Era in which he sought
to refute the charges that had been made. Several meetings were held
by the Independents at which Behringer sought to stimulate the
members to continue their contest for equality in student life. By
May, 1869, however, the influence of the secret societies had triumphed
and the Independents had gone down in defeat. 183
The Independent Organization failed largely because it lacked a
harmonious spirit, a definite program and a sense of cohesion among
its members. This is well illustrated by the fact that several of its
members joined the ranks of their former enemies. This was not true,
however, of Behringer who was encouraged to continue the contest
by a few friends at Ithaca as well as by the Hamilton and Rochester
Chapters who saw in the situation a unique opportunity for Delta
Upsilon. Delegates from these chapters visited Behringer on May 14,
1869 and with his help a number of students were picked for member-
ship in a new society. Finally on May 17 the pledge was given to
seven men around whom the future of the society centered. Formal
recognition of this action was accorded by the Madison Convention,
June 9, i86g. 184
Hardly had the chapter been planted when a series of events arose
that seemed for a time destined to undo the work of Behringer and
his friends. The secret societies, and even some of the neutrals, poured
forth considerable ridicule and abuse and sought through various
channels to undermine the strength of the new fraternity. The follow-
ing taken from the Cornell Era will illustrate the attitude of the secret
societies towards Delta Upsilon: 185
Glad are we to chronicle the occurrence of an event in the dull
round of our college life most glad and yet it is with a thought of
sorrow, a feeling of commiseration for the depravity of man that we
record the advent of the Delta Upsilon Society to Cornell University.
Sorrow that upon the bright record of our great university has been
written the name of this, of all detestable brands and clans the most
m Cornell Era, Dec. 19, 1868, Jan. 9, Mar. 6, 20, May 8, 1869. The Independents
were organized Dec. 11, 1868, Behringer being listed as an officer.
** Quinquennial, op. cit., pp 83, 500-505, Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, Vol. I,
gives an interesting account of the rise of the fraternity.
385 Cornell Era, May 22, 1869.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 123
detestable, an association with nothing save its badge to recommend
it, a clique utterly anomalous, and without character.
Abuses of this type, however, only served to convince the chapter
that it had a definite role to play. At the close of the first year it had
fourteen members and shortly thereafter forced the secret societies to
give it a place on the editorial staff of the Cornell Era. College opinion
tended more and more to respect the dignity and ability of Behringer
and his associates who through college and town papers cleared away
many of the misunderstandings as to the purposes of Delta Upsilon.
Behringer's room, that of other members and occasionally the Ithaca
Hotel served as meeting places for the chapter. Later the society had
rooms at 11 Green Street, the Wilgus Block and in 1874 occupied
quarters in the Fish Block. At these gatherings literary activities played
an important part, though considerable thought and attention was
given to general fraternity problems. Cornell was at first most anxious
to extend the Fraternity into other fields, but its failure to convince the
convention that Monmouth was a suitable place somewhat dampened
its ardor in this respect. Cornell, also took an active part in the consti-
tutional revision of 1881, when it stood for the elimination of the
anti-secret and the adoption of a non-secret clause. To Cornell, there-
fore, credit is due for pushing through this very important change in
the policy of Delta Upsilon. 186
Within a year after the founding of the Cornell Chapter, Delta
Upsilon took its place at Trinity, Marietta and Princeton. 187 Trinity
College, an Episcopal institution at Hartford, Connecticut, was founded
as Washington College in 1823. Twelve years later its name was
changed to Trinity. Prior to the advent of Delta Upsilon there existed
at this college two secret societies who had things pretty much as they
wished. Opposition to this situation naturally developed among those
who felt that class honors and offices should be open to all and not
merely to the members of the secret organizations. This sentiment
gradually extended itself and under the leadership of Robert C.
Hindley steps were taken towards the forming of a rival society.
Although Hindley tried to keep his actions as quiet as possible rumor
soon had it that a new society was about to appear on the campus.
Consequently when a number of students appeared at Chapel, Febru-
ary 22, 1870 wearing badges of an unknown description, student
opinion was not altogether unprepared for the event. Actually, the
society had been functioning for several months. The latest Manual
188 Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, 1869-1881, Annual, 1870-1881.
187 See above pp. 65-69 for an account of the Princeton Chapter.
124 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of the Fraternity lists the date of organization as having been some
time in December, iSGg. 188 Information concerning the inception of
this group seems to have reached Amherst a few weeks later. Hamilton
and Union also appear to have been aware of what was happening.
Indeed there is evidence at hand that would make one believe that
these three chapters had aided Hindley in his efforts and had given
him assurance that the Fraternity would welcome the presence of a
chapter at Trinity. All of which was in perfect accord with the pro-
visions of the constitution which permitted the three senior chapters
to install chapters subject, however, to the consent of the convention.
At the Brown Convention, June 2, 1870, Trinity was added to the
list of Delta Upsilon Chapters. 189
Delta Upsilon started at Trinity under favorable circumstances.
A suite of rooms was rented and the chapter furnished splendid
opportunities for literary exercises. Further, it was able to gain from
the other fraternities its share of college honors and offices. The very
act, however, of negotiating this arrangement with the secret societies
was in itself somewhat of a denial of the ideals of the Fraternity which
stood for equality of opportunity for all students. It would appear,
moreover, that the Trinity Chapter sought to advance itself rather
than Delta Upsilon. Meetings, chapter activities and the roll of its
members were not made public. To a considerable degree, the Trinity
Chapter was acting like the secret fraternities and thus failed to live
up to the standards of Delta Upsilon. These factors, plus a lack of
experience in "rushing," soon undermined the strength of the organiza-
tion. Opinion which at first had endorsed the chapter soon changed
and with the graduation of the charter members a rapid decline set
in. Only once did a delegate appear at a national convention, though
the chapter reported by letter each time a meeting was held. At the
1874 Convention the delegates, in view of the continued absence of
Trinity, appointed Brown and Amherst as a committee to look into
matters. Our sources do not record what this committee discovered,
though one may surmise that its report in 1875 was none too promis-
ing. By this time Trinity had ceased to function. No additions seem
to have been made beyond the class of 1876 and with the departure
of these men from college, Delta Upsilon disappeared at Trinity. 190
A few years later, as will be shown in a subsequent chapter, the
^Manual (1929), p. 6 On Dec. 18, 1869, Hindley notified Rutgers that Waite
had initiated eight men on December 17; see Rutgers records.
189 Annual, 1870.
** Annual, 1870, Minutes of the Amherst Chapter, Jan. 18, 1870, Quinquennial,
op. tit., pp. 521-522.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 125
Fraternity established a national executive council, one of whose mem-
bers, Frederick M. Crossett displayed considerable zeal and interest
in the promotion of Delta Upsilon. Among other things, Crossett de-
sired to revive the Trinity Chapter and for some time he favored the
absorption of a local society, Iota Kappa Alpha, which had existed
at Trinity since 1829. Investigation, however, revealed that conditions
on that campus were none too favorable with the result that the mat-
ter was allowed to drop. Later in 1888 one F. M. Barber, a student at
Trinity, became interested in Delta Upsilon and directed inquiries to
Brown as well as to Walter E. Merritt, Amherst '87, then an active
worker in the Fraternity. Barber told Merritt of his desires, but later
added, after talking to Professor Sweeten Luther, one of the charter
members of the old chapter, who had advised against the return of
Delta Upsilon, that he had given up the idea entirely. 191 The Council
reported the substance of these circumstances to the Convention of
1889, and added the statement that in its opinion nothing more could
be done for the time being. Several years later some attention was
paid to the idea of reviving the chapter though nothing definite seems
to have been accomplished. Finally, in 1909, the Convention formally
voted to withdraw the charter. Since then, Trinity has been listed as
an inactive chapter. 192
More lasting results followed the installation of a society at Marietta.
The genesis of this group dates from 1866 at which time there were
three Greek letter societies on that campus. The policies of these fra-
ternities, so it is reported, often ran counter to the welfare of the
students. Among those who disliked the attitudes and habits of these
societies were G. H. Pond, A. W. Williams, S. J. Hathaway, John
Sylvanus, Frank Kelsey and William Payne. These men determined
that an anti-secret organization ought to be founded and accordingly
were led to correspond with Gamma Nu of Yale which was thought
to be anti-secret in nature. Gamma Nu informed the Marietta men
that their society was devoted chiefly to literary pursuits and that its
constitution forbade extension into other colleges. These limitations
caused Pond and his friends to give up the idea of founding a society
opposed to secrecy. Four years later, however, Augustus W. Williams
matriculated at Lane Seminary, where he made the acquaintance of
Josiah H. Strong, a member of the Western Reserve Chapter. Strong
** R. H. Bowles to Crossett, Jan. 28, 1885, E. P. Miller to Crossett, June 23, 1884,
F. M. Barber to W. E. Merritt, Oct. 13, so, 1889, S. Luther to Merritt, Sept. 4, 1889.
ua Annual, 1886, 1889, 1910; see also Minutes of the Board of Directors, Feb. 14,
1918, for an account of a visit by Crossett to Trinity.
126 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
told Williams of Delta Upsilon and loaned him a copy of the Fra-
ternity catalogue, which in due time Williams circulated among cer-
tain undergraduates at Marietta, including Seymour J. Hathaway. 193
After some further thought those interested, ten in all, met on the
evening of March 18, 1870 at South Hall "for the purpose of estab-
lishing an Anti-Secret Society, to become a chapter of the Delta Upsilon
Fraternity at their consent." For the present they were content to style
themselves as members of an anti-secret organization and to govern
themselves as a chapter of Delta Upsilon. All of the men, moreover,
were pledged to keep the existence of their society a secret for the
time being. 194
The following evening another meeting was held at which William
Rowlands was admitted to membership. Rowlands, evidently, was a
young man of drive and personality as the entire responsibilty for
soliciting new members was placed solely in his hands; the others
were to say nothing at all about the existence of their fraternity. Con-
tact was also established with the Western Reserve Chapter who dele-
gated Marcus Cozad to visit Marietta and install a chapter. Accordingly
on April 23, 1870, Cozad formally gave the Fraternity pledge to thir-
teen students. 195 Within two weeks the society met in what it pleased
to call the "Delta Upsilon Rooms," at which time the secretary an-
nounced that the faculty of the college had given its consent to the
establishment of the chapter. Shortly thereafter letters were addressed
to the various chapters of the Fraternity and favorable replies from
Brown, New York, Western Reserve and Princeton were read at a
meeting held May i4. 196 Western Reserve, moreover, took upon itself
the duty of sponsoring the interests of Marietta at the Brown Con-
vention on June i, 1870. The very next day the delegates voted to
admit the Marietta society as a chapter of Delta Upsilon. 197
The advent of Delta Upsilon at Marietta had taken the secret fra-
ternities somewhat by surprise. To them the arrival of an anti-secret
society was the signal for an outburst of ill-will. The campus was at once
alive with excitement. And when Dr. Nelson of Lane Seminary was
known to have accepted the invitation of the chapter to deliver an
** Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 527, Quarterly, 1:41-42, XX'64-66.
194 Minutes of the Marietta Chapter, Mar. 18, 1870.
**Ibid. f Mar. 19, April 23, 1870.
**Ibid. t May 7, 14, 1870.
187 Annual, 1870; see also Minutes of the Marietta Chapter, Oct. 14, 1870 for the
adoption of a resolution declaring that the society should be incorporated in
Ohio as the Marietta Chapter of Delta Upsilon. It is not known whether this was
carried out or not.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 127
address at the local Congregational Church the feelings of the Greek
letter men rose to great heights. The chapter, in the meantime, pro-
ceeded to place posters at various places on the campus advertising
this event, which was to take place in June, 1870. These, it seems,
were torn down by the secret fraternities at the first opportunity.
Fresh posters were immediately displayed and this time the Marietta
Chapter stood guard with the result that no damage was done. Dr.
Nelson's address as well as the incident itself did much to quicken
the spirit of the chapter and raise its standing in the community. 198
Further trouble, however, followed. In September, 1874 the chapter
rooms were raided by members of the Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity.
Having discovered the minute book, the invaders held a mock meeting
and entered a record of their procedure in this book. Among other
things it seems that these men found the petition of Delta Upsilon
to the Marietta College Faculty asking for assistance against tie re-
peated attacks of the secret fraternities. Immediately resolutions were
adopted by Alpha Sigma Phi in which expressions of sympathy ap-
peared for the down-trodden members of the Delta Upsilon. A toast,
moreover, was offered declaring Alpha Sigma Phi to be the best so-
ciety in the country. Another raid, similar in nature, seems to have
taken place in May of the next year and during the fall of 1876 a
number of scandalous sheets were circulated about the campus. The
upshot of these events, however, did little to dampen the ardor of
the chapter. Indeed the reputation of Delta Upsilon grew, while the
depredations themselves appear to have injured the secret groups in
ways that had not been calculated. Student, faculty and town opinion
quite generally frowned upon these acts and gave strong support to
Delta Upsilon. 199 Continued assaults against the chapter, however,
were made, her rooms invaded and infamous handbills scattered about
the town. Even as late as 1883 the opposition against Delta Upsilon
continued to rage.
In the meantime the chapter devoted considerable attention to the
development of its literary life. The hall was fitted up most attractively
and at one end there was erected a stage for dramatic presentations.
Representatives of the chapter were present at every national gather-
ing and in 1874 the chapter was host to the general Fraternity. 200 The
addition of Marietta to Delta Upsilon more than justified the action
of the convention in admitting that society to the Fraternity.
188 Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 528-529.
Ibid., p. 530, Minutes of the Marietta Chapter, Sept. 10, 1874, May si, 1875
and Marietta to Amherst, Mar. 30, 1877.
^Marietta to Amherst, April 23, 1872, Annual, 1872-1881.
128 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Marietta joined Delta Upsilon in 1870. During the next four years
no further expansion of the Fraternity took place. Then it was that
the convention granted charters to societies at Syracuse and Man-
hattan. The origins of the Manhattan Chapter at the College of the
City of New York goes back to the summer of 1873, when two students
of that college agreed to organize an open league opposed to secrecy
upon their return to the campus in the fall. At this juncture they be-
came aware of Delta Upsilon and learned much of its ideals and
aims from a friend who was of the New York Chapter. Further stim-
ulus seems to have come from the Union and Amherst Chapters who
urged the New York group to found a chapter at Manhattan as soon
as possible. 201 As a result of these various forces a group of students
at that college formed themselves into an open league during the
spring of 1874 and followed this up by submitting a petition to the
Marietta Convention of that year. This assembly appointed a com-
mittee to visit the society and, if found worthy, to give its members
the Fraternity pledge. New York, Rutgers and Hamilton undertook
this task and shortly thereafter a chapter was established at Man-
hattan. 202
New York immediately took the young society under its care. Both
societies occupied the same quarters, held joint meetings and acted
as one organization with branches of two different institutions. Prob-
ably this act of kindness, while of decided help, created a dependency
on the part of Manhattan that was bound in time to weaken the new
chapter. Tied somewhat too closely to a sister chapter, Manhattan
does not seem to have exercised enough independence. Had the mem-
bers been of sterner stuff or had they had a competent leader the
chapter might have gained from the help offered by New York. As
it was, Manhattan acted in a most feeble manner. It was almost
apathetic in the rushing of new members, and although additions
were made, no great strength was added. Of the nine members of the
classes from 1877 to 1879 inclusive, five graduated from other col-
leges, while the remainder had left college by 1878. These gradua-
tions left the chapter without a single member, a fact that naturally
resulted in the extinction of Manhattan. 203
Eight years later the Council under the stimulus of Crossett turned
201 Minutes of the Union Chapter, Feb. 27, 1874, Oct. 17, 1873, Minutes of the
Amherst Chapter, Nov. 4, 1873.
^Annual, 1874, Quarterly, 1-26-27, Quinquennial, op. cit. f pp. 557-558 In the
absence of other information the vote of the Convention, May 14, 1874 may serve
to fix the date of the establishment of this chapter.
203 Quinquennial, op. tit,, pp. 560-561.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 129
its attention to Manhattan, hoping to bring about a revival of Delta
Upsilon on that campus. Crossett broached the matter to several of
the alumni of the old chapter and from these he received considerable
encouragement. 204 Turning to Manhattan itself, Crossett met a group
of students who at once showed decided interest in the affair. Whether
these men had already been approached by the alumni or not is not
known. In any event Crossett received during the fall and winter of
1886 several letters from these students relative to the founding of a
chapter at Manhattan. Crossett made a careful survey and even went
to the extent of visiting the local group. His reactions were distinctly
favorable and under his guidance a petition was addressed to Otto
Eidlitz who in turn presented it to the Executive Council, Decem-
ber 11, i886. 205 A month later that body voted to recommend the
granting of a charter and referred the whole matter to the Committee
on Dead Chapters. This committee, which consisted of Union, Brown
and Williams, did not express any great enthusiasm. And while the
Executive Council was engaged with other matters, a letter was re-
ceived from the Manhattan group withdrawing its petition. Although
Crossett and others deplored the way things had gone and kept hoping
that in time a new opening might appear, nothing seems to have
been done by the Fraternity at large. Finally in November, 1909, the
convention formally voted to withdraw the charter and with that ac-
tion Manhattan became one of Delta Upsilon's dead chapters. 206
The Syracuse Chapter was founded about the same time as was the
Manhattan group and has had a continued life from that date to this.
The inception of this chapter is in one sense crowded with uncertainty,
and, were certain sources available, it might be possible to place the
founding of this society in 1866. Among the records preserved at the
Fraternity Headquarters is a fragment of the 1866 Convention's pro-
cedure and action. At that time it was customary for the secretary of
that meeting to forward a manuscript copy of the convention's activ-
ities to each of the chapters. The particular fragment referred to seems
at one time to have been in thd possession of the Middlebury Chapter.
204 E. F. Gutsgell to the Council, June 18, 1886; see also letter to the same from
J. H. Goldbacher. Gutsgell stated that in his opinion the former chapter had
failed "because it started in the higher classes among members who graduated
before they could place the fraternity upon a solid basis in the Freshman and
Sophomore classes."
^Society at College of City of New York to Council, Dec. 7, 1886, Minutes of
the Executive Council, Dec. 11, 1886, Jan. 12, 18, 26, Feb. 5, 12, 1887. An attempt to
found a chapter had taken place in 1880 by the New York Chapter, see Minutes
of the Cornell Chapter, Jan. 16, 1880, New York to Rugers, Jan. 8, Feb. 21, 1880.
200 Annual, 1910.
igo DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Comparing this source with the account as given in the Quinquennial
for this convention there is sufficient similarity to warrant our accepting
this as a reliable source. Indeed it is more complete than the narrative
as given in the Quinquennial. Now according to this fragment the
delegates in 1866 seem to have listened to a representative of a society
at Lima which was seeking membership in Delta Upsilon. The "Lima"
in question was doubtless Lima, New York, which was the home of
Genesee College, located a short distance to the south of Rochester
where the convention was then in session. The delegates at this meet-
ing seem to have been rather pleased with the petitioning body and
after some discussion voted to grant it a charter.
According to the constitution then in force and in keeping with the
interpretation that has been followed throughout this narrative, a
chapter may not be said to have been established until installation has
taken place. In some cases it seems that installation came first, in which
event the consent of the convention was necessary to make it a chapter
in good standing. In this incident, the convention had given its consent
and all that was needed to add Genesee College to the roll of chapters
was for a committee to visit and install the chapter. In the light of
available evidence it does not appear that installation ever took place.
Had this occurred it is likely that some reference would have appeared
in the minutes of some of the chapters or of the conventions that fol-
lowed. No national gathering took place in 1867 and the records for
the assembly of 1868 are altogether silent as to Genesee College. By
way of general conclusion it may therefore be stated that no chapter
was ever planted at Lima, New York. 207
It is of interest to note that among the literary societies existing at
Genesee College, which in 1870 was moved to Syracuse and from then
on has been known as Syracuse University, was one which was called
the Atticaeum. And it was from a society bearing the same name that
the Syracuse Chapter was conceived. It is altogether possible that the
Atticaeum of Genesee College was transferred to Syracuse University
and if so the recollection of the 1866 event might still have been fresh
in the minds of its members. Be that as it may, during the fall of 1873
Frank Smalley and Edwin Nottingham undertook the establishment
of a literary society at Syracuse University. These men were convinced
that the secret fraternities, by reason of their closed organization, were
not advancing the cultural side of college life. Gaining the support of
407 An examination of the records of Genesee College preserved at Syracuse Uni-
versity threw no light on this topic.
GEORGE WASHBURN
AMHERST -55
PRES OF ROBERT COLLEGE, TURKEY
WILLIAM ELLIOT GRIFFIS
RUTGERS '69
MISSIONARY, LECTURER, AUTHOR
JAMES L BARTON
MIDDLEBURY 31
MISSIONARY, ADMINISTRATOR
AUTHOR
HORACE G UNDERWOOD
NEW YORK '81
PRES OF AMERICAN COLLEGE,
KOREA
WILLIAM H P FAUNCE
BROWN 80
PRESIDENT OF BROWN UNIVERSITY
I tnlt i ti'nml \ I mil i i 1 <>i
JEREMIAH W JENKS
MICHIGAN 78
ECONOMIST, AUTHOR, EDUCATOR
RALPH DORN HETZEL
WISCONSIN O6
PRES OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE
COLLEGE
J><t< In tit h
JAMES B CONANT
HARVARD 14
PRES OF HARVARD UNIVERSITY
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 131
several other students, Smalley and Nottingham posted a notice, early
in October, 1872, on the doors of College Hall to the effect that an
open society was in the process of being founded. The editors of the
college paper, the University Herald, realized at once that Smalley's
efforts constituted in part an attack upon the secret societies of which
they were members. Accordingly, the editorial section of that paper
carried an article in which the idea of an open society was discussed
at some length. Although the tone of this article was moderate, it is
evident that the object in the mind of its author was to prove the utter
futility of founding a new society at Syracuse. In spite of this mild
opposition an open society was founded. Indeed the same issue of the
University Herald which voiced sentiments against the plan carried a
notice that the Atticaeum had been established. 208
Although the Atticaeum was devoted primarily to literary pursuits,
some of its members desired to give attention to fraternal objects as
well. These men were not entirely of the same opinion as to the method
of realizing these objects. A few were for the establishment of a secret
society, while others led by Smalley believed that the forming of such
an organization would be contrary to the ideals that had given rise to
the Atticaeum. In order to prevent a dissolution, Smalley turned the
attention of the group towards Delta Upsilon. That Syracuse was a
splendid field for fraternity expansion was recognized as early as 1871
when Amherst took the matter under consideration. The actual initia-
tive, however, seems to have come from Syracuse. Someone it seems
at Syracuse had written Amherst asking for information relative to
the aims and ideals of Delta Upsilon. 209 On the basis of this communica-
tion the matter was brought before the 1873 Convention. The dele-
gates seemed pleased with the outlook and may even have appointed
a committee to proceed to that campus and establish a chapter. There
is nothing, however, in the record of that convention to warrant this
latter statement. On the other hand, Abraham Miller of the Madison
Chapter visited Syracuse on November 14, 1873, and at a meeting held
in the Hall of Languages, received the pledges of seventeen students. 210
Miller's action, moreover, was accepted by the Convention of 1874.
Other chapters, as has been noted, had been installed before the con-
stitutionally appointed body, namely the convention, had taken action.
In such cases the date of the convention's action has been taken as
208 University Herald, Oct. 30, 1872.
^Minutes of the Amherst Chapter, Oct. 31, 1871.
310 Minutes of the Syracuse Chapter, Nov. 14, 1873. Rochester in a letter to Rut-
gers, Nov. 28, 1873, stated that she had done much towards founding Syracuse.
1 3 s DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
fixing the date o the establishment of the chapter. Accordingly, Syra-
cuse was founded by convention action, May 13, 1874.
Subsequent meetings of the society were held at the Hall of Lan-
guages and at the rooms of the members. In the spring of 1874 quarters
were rented in the Pike Block. For over two years this was the home
"of Delta Upsilon. During this period the chapter records show that
the members took considerable interest in debate and literary exer-
cises. Greater growth would doubtless have taken place but for a cer-
tain amount of internal discord. Evidently some of the chapter still
cherished a kindly attitude towards the secret societies. A few actually
broke their pledges which resulted in their immediate expulsion from
the fraternity; while others asked for and obtained dismissals. On top
of this came the destruction of the chapter's rooms by a group of secret
fraternity men during the Christmas recess of 1876 and i877. 211 In
spite of these difficulties and setbacks, the society maintained its or-
ganization, secured new members and in February, 1877, obtained a
lease on some rooms in the Rice Block. About the same time a dispute
arose between the chapter and the secret societies over the manage-
ment of the University Herald. It appears that the editorial and busi-
ness boards of this paper were elected by the students in a way that
gave to the Greek letter societies complete control. Delta Upsilon was
accorded representation by this arrangement. Late in 1876, however,
Delta Kappa Epsilon sought to exclude certain groups from this scheme
of things. This move was promptly checked by Delta Upsilon when it
voted to have nothing to do with the publication of the paper unless
all societies were equally represented. Two years later these secret
societies effected a plan whereby Delta Upsilon was to be excluded from
any share in the management of this publication. This plan called for
the discontinuance of the University Herald and the establishment of
a new paper on which Delta Upsilon was to have no representative.
News of this caused the chapter to< assume full and complete direction
of the University Herald. A board of editors was elected and publica-
tion resumed where the secret fraternities had left off. From then on
for a number of years the Syracuse published this paper which added
much to the prestige of the chapter at home and abroad. From a na-
tional point of view Syracuse more than held its own. Delegates were
present at all conventions. Fraternity problems were seriously discussed
in chapter meetings and in 1878 the society voted in favor of a change
in national policy, namely the establishment of a non-, rather than an
m Minutes of the Syracuse Chapter, 1873-1877, especially for Jan. 12, 13, 19, 1877.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 133
anti-secret position. 212 At times, some of its members were elected to
Fraternity offices. Furthermore, it seems to have favored a moderate
program of extension and for this reason warmly endorsed the petition-
ing society at the University of Michigan.
As early as 1850 the Fraternity had its attention turned towards
Michigan. In that year the Williams Chapter received a communication
from a group of students at Ann Arbor concerning the badges and
ideals of the Social Fraternity. Although it is not known whether or
not Williams answered this letter the fact remains that the cause of
anti-secrecy was being agitated at Michigan at this early date. Twelve
years later another communication was received by Williams from
certain students who not only were opposed to secret societies but who
wanted advice as to the forming of an anti-secret group. A copy of the
Williams constitution was forwarded to these men. Nothing, however,
seems to have materialized, though the 1864 Convention authorized
the Rochester Chapter to investigate the anti-secret group at Michigan
with a view of adding it to the Fraternity. Rochester seems to have
communicated with the Michigan men and to have gained from Colby
and Hamilton a promise to vote for Michigan at the next convention.
It is altogether likely, therefore, that the 1865 and 1866 Conventions
discussed the situation, though it is evident that nothing positive was
accomplished. 213 At the 1870 Convention, however, the committee on
new chapters spoke encouragingly about prospects at Michigan. As
a result a special committee was appointed to investigate the situation
at once. This body seems to have made some type of a survey as in
1875 the convention instructed Marietta and Rochester to establish a
chapter at Ann Arbor if at all possible. Early in 1876, George W. Coon
and Edward C. Dodge, both of Rochester, visited Ann Arbor and un-
dertook to carry out the wish of the last convention. Coon and Dodge
found a group of men who were favorable to the idea and after several
preliminary meetings, initiated and installed the Michigan Chapter
on the evening of April 10, iSyG. 214 Official notice of this act was pre-
sented to the 1876 Convention which body immediately sent a tele-
gram of congratulations to the new chapter. Although not present at
this meeting, Michigan had delegates at every subsequent meeting
covered by this chapter, and in 1882 was host to the general Fraternity.
Internally, the chapter devoted considerable attention to literary
z&Ibid., Nov. 24, 1876, Oct. 4, 11, 1878.
213 Hamilton to Rutgers, Nov. 3, 1864, Rochester to Rutgers, Dec. 10, 1864, Mar. 6,
1866. Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Williams, Jan. 29, 1850, Feb. 11, 1862,
Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1864.
** Annual, 1870, 1873-1876, Quarterly, 11:8-9, Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 563-564.
134 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
work as well as to athletics and other student enterprises. At first it was
called upon to meet a rather bitter attack leveled against it by the
secret groups. The Chronicle, a student publication, carried a "fierce
onslaught" for a time, but ultimately gave up the contest. One of the
factors which had led to this conflict was the anti-secret attitude of
Delta Upsilon. For over forty years this had been the time-honored
policy of the Fraternity, adherence to which had done much to advance
the growth and expansion of the society throughout the country. By
1870, however, the need for so drastic a policy had largely passed.
Throughout the Fraternity there was a growing sentiment favorable to
a change. And yet Michigan had been planted as an anti-secret society,
though the local group itself adopted a non-secret position. If the
Fraternity at large had any doubts as to the wisdom of continuing an
anti-secret program it is not to be wondered that the Michigan Chapter
stood out for a more liberal pronouncement. Indeed there were some
within that group who so strongly disliked the national anti-secret
attitude that they were ready to lead the chapter over into the fold of
a secret society. The net result was that the chapter spent many an
anxious day, saw some of its members resign, while others became com-
pletely apathetic as to the future of Delta Upsilon at Michigan. At this
juncture the Fraternity stepped in and salvaged the situation by chang-
ing its older position from anti- to non-secrecy. In achieving this end,
Michigan took a leading rdle and for its efforts much credit is due. 215
Michigan also took a prominent part in founding the Northwestern
Chapter. As early as 1870 the Fraternity had its attention turned to-
wards Evanston as a field for extension. Nothing, however, was done
until 1874 when the Convention instructed Madison and Cornell to
investigate conditions there. For some unknown reason, this committee
did not render a report, a fact which probably indicates that these chap-
ters did not undertake the task assigned to them. In 1879 the matter
came up once again, and this time the convention appointed a new
committee to take steps leading towards the founding of a chapter and
report at the next assembly. In the meantime conditions at Evanston
were becoming ripe for the appearance of Delta Upsilon. The tactics
of the secret societies had so embittered a group of young men of the
class of 1881 that a bold stand had been taken by these students as
early as their freshman year. The subtle insinuations and mysterious
meetings of the Greeks proved, however, too inviting as a number of
these men forsook their older friendships and joined one or another of
^Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 564-565. The Quarterly, XV: 122-128 contains an
interesting article on conditions at Michigan.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1850-1881 135
the secret fraternities. Those that remained loyal to the ideals enunci-
ated in the freshman year were on the point of giving up the contest
when their attention was directed to the account of Delta Upsilon in
Baird's Manual.
Impressed by the aims of this society the group on January 27, 1880,
instructed Polemus H. Swift to write to Michigan for further informa-
tion. Michigan replied at once and informed the Northwestern group of
the action recently taken by the national convention in respect to secrecy.
Shortly thereafter, Ossian C. Simonds, Michigan '78, then a resident of
Chicago, visited Evanston and outlined the ideals of the Fraternity and
expressed the hope that a chapter might be founded at Northwestern.
Swift and his friends were delighted and asked Simonds to obtain
authority to plant a chapter as soon as possible. The result was that on
February 18, 1880, Simonds and Asa Whipple, also of Michigan, ad-
ministered the pledge to fourteen men. Asa Whipple reported this
fact to the convention of that year. Whipple, it seems, had been ap-
pointed by the 1879 Convention to investigate conditions at North-
western. His statement, therefore, in 1880, constituted a report which
the delegates proceeded to accept. Although the chapter was installed
in February, 1880, there is nothing in the records of the 1879 Conven-
tion to warrant the belief that the delegates had actually voted to
establish a chapter. All that had been done was to appoint a committee
which was to take steps towards the founding and report at the next
meeting. That the Fraternity looked with favor upon Northwestern is
beyond all question, but no "power to act" was voted by the 1879
Convention. Consequently, in order to make the installation of Febru-
ary, 1880 complete, it was necessary for the 1880 gathering to admit
Northwestern formally as a chapter. No formal action of this type took
place, though it did accept the action of the committee appointed a
year earlier. From a strict constitutional point of view, therefore, the
Northwestern Chapter was not finally admitted until October 27,
1880, which was the date Whipple made his report. 216
Northwestern was not represented at that convention though she
did have a delegate at the meeting of 1881, at which time the Fraternity
officially admitted the Harvard Chapter. Five years before, a committee
of Amherst and Brown, as well as another of Cornell and Amherst,
had been appointed to investigate conditions at Cambridge. 217 The
findings of this later body were not favorable, though the following
216 Quarterly, I 57-58, Quinquennial, op. dt. f p. 575, Annual, 1870, 1874, 1879, A.
D, Whipple to Rutgers, Mar. 25, 1880.
Annual, 1876.
136 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
year, 1880, the exact opposite was reported by Amherst. 218 The ex-
planation for this change in attitude is doubtless to be found in the
fact that in the interim there had appeared at Cambridge a sentiment
in favor of Delta Upsilon. The leaders in this local movement seem to
have been Oscar E. Perry, Alfred M. Allen, Charles W. Birtwell and
Frank G. Cook. These men met, December i, 1880, in Birtwell and
Allen's room and talked over the idea of forming a society which in
time might become a chapter of Delta Upsilon. Evidently these men
knew of the Fraternity and were attracted by its ideals and program.
Cook frankly states in his diary that he was anxious to join a society
but was unable to consider Phi Eta or Signet because of the expense
attached to each. Shortly after this meeting, contact was established
with the Brown Chapter, the result of which was to encourage the
Harvard men to forge ahead with their plans of organization. By
December 13, eight students had formed what they considered a chapter
of the Fraternity, although they must have known that official status
could only be given by convention action. Two months later, matters
had gone far enough to warrant a visitation by delegates from Brown
and Amherst who on February 19, 1881, initiated Cook, Allen and
some twelve others into Delta Upsilon. This action was in keeping with
the resolution adopted by the 1880 Convention. Consequently the
correct date of the founding of the Harvard Chapter is that of February
19, 1881. Official notice of the installation was given at the convention
in October, 1881, at which Harvard was represented by Cook and
Perry. 219
The admittance of Harvard gave Delta Upsilon a roll of twenty-
five chapters, thirteen of which had been founded since the memorable
convention at Middlebury in 1864. Although four of these thirteen,
Trinity, Miami, Manhattan and Princeton, had ceased to function, the
presence of the others demonstrates that considerable progress had
been made. Expansion, moreover, had been matched by a sound growth
in constitutional matters. The Fraternity had altered its policy from
ami- to non-secrecy and forward-looking steps had been taken for the
establishment of a national executive council.
1880.
.j, 1877, 1880, Diary of Frank G. Cook, Mss., Quinquennial, op. at., p. 584.
Chapter VII
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899
CROSSETT A PRONOUNCED EXPANSIONIST CHARTERS GRANTED TO
MID-WESTERN PETITIONERS DIFFICULTIES AT PENNSYLVANIA THE
MINNESOTA DIVISION OF THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER DELTA UPSILON
INVADES THE PACIFIC COAST AREA AND LATER MOVES INTO
CANADA
CURING the year 1885 four new chapters were added to the Frater-
nity. Of these the oldest was that which was planted at the Uni-
versity of Wisconsin. Interest in this institution was doubtlessly stimu-
lated by Frederick M. Crossett who, as the most energetic member of
the recently established Executive Council, had embarked the Fra-
ternity upon a policy of rapid expansion. Although our sources are
completely silent, it seems reasonable to assume that it was Crossett
who suggested Wisconsin to the 1883 Convention as a fitting place for
another chapter. Supported by evidence as given in the Quinquennial
of the presence of some sixty members of Delta Upsilon within that
state, of whom one-third lived at Madison and Milwaukee, Crossett's
enthusiasm encouraged the convention to appoint a committee con-
sisting of Northwestern to look "into the advisability of founding a
Chapter at the University of Wisconsin." To what extent Northwest-
ern sought to carry out this duty is not known, though at the 1884
Convention that chapter together with Michigan and Cornell were
asked to investigate conditions at Madison and report at the next
gathering. Northwestern delegated its authority to one of its members,
Wilbur F. Atchison, while Michigan did the same in respect to Charles
W. Carman. Cornell as a chapter took no action although its interests
seem to have been cared for by an alumnus, P. H. Perkins, then living
at Madison. Perkins* support was evidenced by a letter to Robert Eidlitz
in which he strongly favored our entrance into Wisconsin. Carman's
enthusiasm had already been shown on the floor of the Convention of
1884 when he had been the first to propose the appointment of an
investigating committee. 220
330 Annual, 1883-1884, Quinquennial, op. cit., pp. 662-663, P. H. Perkins to R.
Eidlitz, Jan. sti, 1885.
137
138 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Backed up by the action of the delegates, Carman and Atchison
visited Madison early in May, 1885. Here they met Perkins and Pro-
fessor William Trelease, Cornell '80, who conducted them about the
campus and introduced them to a small but select gioup of students.
Carman and Atchison were decidedly pleased with conditions and after
a careful examination of the students they had met, proceeded to estab-
lish a chapter May 6, 1885. Only two men were initiated: Ambrose P.
Winston and Frederick Whitton of the classes of 1887 and 1889 respec-
tively. Carman stated that he might have initiated five or six more but
was led to limit his choice to those whom he felt sure would work to
advance the cause of Delta Upsilon. Carman, probably, was aware of
the inherent danger of starting a society composed of but two members.
And had it not been for the energy and devotion of these two men,
one of whom, Winston, was a brother of Edward M. Winston, Harvard
'85, the entire venture might have been wrecked. As it was, Winston '
and Whitton, together with what help Perkins, Trelease and others
furnished, shouldered their responsibilities with a spirit that was bound
to bring ultimate success. 221
Wisconsin was not present at the 1885 Convention, though she did
report by letter. Distance plus lack of funds were assigned in this
communication as the reasons for her absence. According to this report,
however, the chapter numbered five members, two being Juniors, the
remainder being divided equally between the three other classes. Con-
ditions, moreover, for the future were stated as being quite pleasing;
particularly as none of the secret societies showed any spirit of opposi-
tion. As a result Wisconsin closed her first year within the Fraternity
with a record that was both encouraging to itself and to Delta Upsilon.
Continued growth took place during the year that followed and that
in spite of some slight opposition on the part of the secret groups.
College and class honors were won in a number of cases, while the
chapter itself gave considerable thought to literary and cultural de-
velopment. Attention was also given to athletics. At first the chapter
met at the rooms of its members. Later quarters were rented for meet-
ing purposes and in 1890 a suite of rooms was acquired near Capitol
Park. Nationally, Wisconsin lived up to expectations. She was repre-
sented by at least one delegate at all of the conventions of the nine-
teenth century except in 1887 when she reported by letter. Wisconsin,
moreover, acted as general host to the Fraternity in iSgg. 222
^Annual, 1885, Quarterly, XXX: 11-12, 01:170-171, C. W. Carman to Crossett,
May 14, 1885.
^Annual, 1885-1900, Quinquennial (1891), pp. xiv-xv, Quarterly, 111.170-171,
284-285,
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 139
Late in the same month that witnessed the planting of the Wisconsin
unit a chapter was established at Lafayette. As early as 1873 the Fra-
ternity had its attention turned towards that institution as a result of
the efforts of the Rutgers Chapter. Convinced of the soundness of
Lafayette as a place for extension, Rutgers addressed a letter to the
President of that college in which, it is believed, the matter of Delta
Upsilon entering Lafayette was raised. No reply seems to have been
received, though Rutgers did establish contact with one D. Fleisher
who, judging from the tone of a letter, was probably a member of
Delta Upsilon, although his name does not appear in the Quinquen-
nial.' 223 Benjamin Wyckoff, Rutgers '75, moreover, upon vote of his
chapter, visited Lafayette and together with Fleisher looked over the
situation. Wyckoff was instructed to go again, but due to Fleisher's
advice no other visit was made. According to Fleisher, Wyckoff s pres-
ence at Easton had aroused some talk and suspicion, which Fleisher
believed might lead to trouble if Wyckoff were to come again. Rutgers,
therefore, allowed the matter to drop. At the 1874 Convention, how-
ever, the question of a chapter at Lafayette was introduced and a com-
mittee formed of Rutgers and New York was asked to investigate and
report. Some form of a statement was made by this committee in 1875.
Exactly what was said is not known, though it is evident that the dele-
gates did not think the situation hopeless as the committee was not
discharged. Something, however, did happen to prevent any further
investigation, though what this was is not stated in any of our
sources. 224
In 1883 Lafayette was brought once again before the convention,
probably by Rutgers as that chapter together with New York were
appointed to investigate conditions at Lafayette. The findings of this
body, however, were none too favorable as a result of which the assem-
bly of 1884 discharged the committee. Crossett, however, seems to have
been of the opinion that Lafayette was a splendid field for expansion.
Accordingly, on his own responsibility, he visited Easton in January,
1885, and came away thoroughly convinced that Delta Upsilon should
enter that institution. A group of students, moreover, had been inter-
viewed, to whom Crossett freely gave information concerning the
Fraternity and its policy. Doubtless, Crossett reported these facts to
223 Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Jan. 13, 1874, D. Fleisher to Wyckoff, Feb. 19,
1874; see also G. H. McEllen to Rutgers, Feb. 11, 1874. The absence of other names
from the Quinquennial of men who are known to have been Delta U's would help
to endorse the assumption of Fleisher's membership.
^Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter, Jan. 13, 29, Feb. 3, Mar. 7, 1874, Annual,
1874-1875.
140 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
certain members of the Executive Council, although there is no record
of this in the minutes of that body. The Executive Council, in all
probability, encouraged Crossett to go forward with his plans and in
May of the same year he visited Lafayette again. He was greeted most
cordially by the above-mentioned students who during his absence
had formed themselves into the Social Union. Crossett was more than
pleased and departed feeling certain that a formal petition would be
presented in the near future. In due time this took place and under
the guidance of Crossett was accepted by the Executive Council. In
the meantime, Crossett appears to have written the chapters asking
for their consent to the establishment of a society at Lafayette. Favor-
able replies were received and on May 30, 1885, at the Arlington Hotel
in Easton nineteen men were inducted into membership in the
Lafayette Chapter of Delta Upsilon. The installation committee con-
sisted of Joseph H. Bryan, Frederick M. Crossett, Robert J. Eidlitz,
Marcus C. Allen, Otto M. Eidlitz, Edward M. Bassett and Charles E.
Hughes. 225
The founding of the Lafayette Chapter received the endorsement
of campus opinion. The administration welcomed the new society
while the fraternities adopted a friendly attitude. Rivalry to be sure
existed but that was not born out of any dislike for Delta Upsilon;
rather was it due to a feeling of vested interests which for a time it was
thought Delta Upsilon threatened. As illustrating this attitude there
may be cited the case of the secret societies keeping Delta Upsilon off
of the editorial board of the college annual. Opposition of this type,
only encouraged the members of the chapter to press forward to a
stronger and most lasting organization. Meetings were held from time
to time in the rooms of the members. In the fall of 1885 a lodge was
located in the third story of 423 Northampton Street, while in March,
1888, the chapter moved into a more commodious room at 437 North-
ampton Street. Here valuable social and literary exercises were held.
Attention was also paid to college activities, such as class and athletic
honors. From a national point of view Lafayette was represented at
every convention from 1885 to 1900 except in 1892 and i8g3. 226
Within a week after the establishment of the Lafayette Chapter a
branch of the Fraternity was planted at Columbia University. Late in
1874, Eugene D. Bagen, then a Sophomore of the New York Chapter,
^Annual, 1883-1885, Quarterly, 111:172-173, Crossett to Chamberlain, May 13,
1885, Crossett to Rutgers, May 27, June 4, 1885, Michigan to Crossett, May 19, 1885,
Colby to Crossett, May 13, 1885, Quinquennial, (1891), p. xvi.
** Quinquennial, (1891), p. xvi, Quarterly, 111:254-255, ^162-163.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 141
became interested in Columbia as a suitable place for fraternity growth.
Bagen passed his impressions on to the Rutgers men who at that time
were taking an active r61e in Fraternity affairs. The matter, moreover,
was presented to the delegates at the 1875 Convention. This body
registered its feelings by appointing a committee, composed of New
York, Amherst and Manhattan, to investigate conditions. Bagen seems
to have acted as chairman of this group. Little, however, could be
done for the time being as the summer vacation followed shortly after
the close of the 1875 meeting. At the opening of college in the fall,
Bagen introduced himself to a Professor Waldo who had formerly
been at Marietta and was known to be friendly to Delta Upsilon. To
what extent Waldo actually assisted Bagen is not known, but by early
November Bagen was writing to Rutgers that he had pledged three or
four men and was hoping that the Fraternity would immediately es-
tablish a chapter. As General Secretary of the Fraternity, Bagen's ef-
forts were of added strength. In spite of these favorable beginnings,
however, nothing seems to have been done. Possibly some of the chap-
ters were reluctant to proceed without further information, or maybe
Bagen himself found conditions less inviting than he had at first ex-
pected. The Convention, however, in 1876, evinced a determination to
continue its policy and appointed a new committee formed of Roches-
ter, Rutgers and New York to investigate and report at the next meet-
ing. The following year the convention having accepted the commit-
tee's report, which was favorable to Columbia, voted that Rochester,
Middlebury and Cornell should proceed to establish a chapter. No
action, however, was taken by this committee and what is more no
reference to Columbia was made at the next two conventions. 227
What caused this rather sudden change in sentiment is not known
as our sources are entirely silent on the matter. It is evident, however,
from the wording of a statement that appears in the Annual for 1880
that a committee on Columbia had been operating during the past
year. It was the belief of this body, which was headed by the New
York Chapter, that conditions were favorable to Delta Upsilon's en-
trance into Columbia University. New York, moreover, was requested
by the delegates to continue its efforts. Associated with New York were
Rutgers and Brown. Investigations by this body seem to have been
undertaken with the result that at the national meeting of 1881 a new
committee, formed of New York and Cornell, was created to look into
matters and report at the next convention. Both of these committees
^Annual, 1875-1879, E. D. Bagen to Rutgers, Nov. 23, 1874, June 21, Nov. 6,
1875, New York to Amherst, Nov. 6, 1875.
142 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
discovered a number of men at Columbia who were opposed to the
secret societies but who were unwilling to form a new group on the
ground that Columbia already had its share of societies. As a result of
this finding an adverse report was presented to the 1882 Convention,
which body discharged the committee and allowed Columbia to be
dropped from further consideration. 228
Sometime in the spring of 1885, Hamilton L. Marshall of Columbia
obtained a copy of the Quarterly and became so interested in Delta
Upsilon that he wrote to Joseph H. Bryan, New York '86 as to what
might be done relative to the founding of a chapter at Columbia.
Bryan, it seems, turned the letter over to Crossett who together with
Albert W. Ferris, New York '78, took steps towards the planting of a
chapter at that institution. The sentiments of the chapters were sought
who, on hearing that conditions were more than favorable at Colum-
bia, gave their consent to the immediate founding of a society. Sup-
ported by this interest the Executive Council proceeded to organize a
petitioning group and after a short delay issued a charter, June i,
1885. Five days later at the Hotel Brunswick in New York City the
Columbia Chapter was founded with ten members. 229
Of these ten, one was from the graduating class of 1885, three were
of the class of 1886, while the remainder were sophomores. With this
as a nucleus, Delta Upsilon undertook its life at Columbia. The col-
lege in general seems to have been mildly suspicious of a non-secret
fraternity but at no time took any hostile measures against the new
society. Additions were made to the chapter, while the members them-
selves added to the reputation of Delta Upsilon by gaining a number
of class, university and athletic honors. At first the chapter meetings
were held in the rooms of the members. Later a room was acquired at
19 East 74th Street and still later on East 57th Street. The absence,
however, of a central lodge was constantly in the minds of the members
who believed that the growth of the chapter was being retarded by
this factor. Finally, in October, 1887, the chapter moved into quarters
at 8 East 47th Street. Here "together with the New York Alumni Club
... it enjoyed as pleasant and luxurious a home as any fraternity at
Columbia College." In May, 1891, it moved to the Fraternity Head-
quarters at 142 West 48th Street. In national life, Columbia played an
important role. The close contact that it maintained with the New
258 Annual, 1880-1882, New York to Rutgers, Feb. 21, 1880.
^Annual, 1885, Quarterly, 111:174-175, 213, Michigan to Crossett, May 19, Brown
to Crossett, May 15, Rochester to Crossett, May 13, Middlebury to Crossett, May
14, Colby to Crossett, May 13, 1885 and Crossett to Rutgers, May 27, June 4, 1885.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 143
York Alumni Club and the Executive Council gave a splendid oppor-
tunity for its men to take a leading part in fraternity work. A survey
of the sources will reveal a number of names in this club who had
been students at Columbia. From 1885 to 1890 inclusive the Executive
Council had on its rolls eight men from Columbia of whom William J.
Warburton and Thornton B. Penfield might be mentioned. Columbia,
moreover, was represented at every national convention from 1885
to igoo. 230
The last of the four chapters to be founded in 1885 was that at
Lehigh. Late in 1884 Delta Upsilon had its attention turned towards
that university probably by Crossett who was ever on the alert for
prospective chapters. It may be that Crossett knew of the struggle the
neutral element was having at that institution in the matter of class
awards and honors. In any event the rapid growth of Lehigh since
1879 marked it as a place suitable of expansion. Considerations of this
type explain why the 1884 Convention asked Cornell, Rutgers and
Hamilton to plant a chapter at that institution. Nothing, however,
seems to have been done for almost a year, although during that
period several attempts were made by Lehigh students to organize a
new society. Whether the Executive Council knew of these doings or
whether these students later became members of the Fraternity is not
known. It is established, however, that Crossett, Packard and Tansey,
the latter two being of the Cornell Chapter, visited South Bethlehem,
September 19, 1885. Tansey knew a student at Lehigh, Charles P.
Pollak, and through this friendship a number of men were interviewed
and the ideals of the Fraternity explained. As a result of these efforts
four men were found who bound themselves to further the establish-
ment of a chapter. Anxious to have this accomplished as soon as possi-
ble, six more men were secured; all of which doubtless was made
known to Crossett. Communications between the Executive Council
and the petitioning group followed with the result that on October 7,
1885 a preliminary meeting at Lehigh adopted plans for holding an
installation at the American Hotel, Allentown, Pennsylvania. Three
days later the Lehigh men were formally installed into Delta Upsiloii
and the Lehigh Chapter became a reality. 231
Representatives from seven chapters were present at this installation
which was conducted by Bassett and Crossett. The Lehigh Chapter
started out with ten men, four each from the junior and sophomore
230 Quinquennial, (1891), pp. xvii-xviii, Quarterly, 111:286, XXVIII^Gg^yo.
231 Quinquennial, (1891), pp. xviii-xxi, Quarterly, 111:225, Annual, 1884, Minutes
of the Lehigh Chapter, Oct. 7, 1885.
144 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
classes, and two from the senior class. The officers of the new society
consisted of William A. Lydon, Robert L. Whitehead, John M.
Howard, Luther R. Zollinger, and Harry S. Morrow. A constitution
and by-laws, modelled on that of the Cornell Chapter was also adopted.
On these foundations the Lehigh group undertook its life at Bethlehem.
At first the secret societies sought to cripple the activities of the chapter
by refusing her a place on the board of the college annual. Within a
year, however, this was overcome and from that time on relations have
been more or less friendly. In the meantime recognition was won on
the campus through scholastic, athletic and social attainments. For a
time Pollak's room served as the chief place for meeting, but in
January, 1886 the chapter moved into a suite of rooms in the Kanuass
Block on East Third Street. Two years later, ten rooms were rented
in an apartment house on Wyandotte and Fourth Streets. Later quar-
ters were obtained on Cherokee Street. From a national point of view,
Lehigh was ably represented at all of the remaining conventions of
the century. 232
A little over a year after the founding of Lehigh a chapter was
planted at Tufts College. Interest in Tufts seems to have first shown
itself during 1883. So strong was the feeling in favor of Tufts that an
attempt was made to grant it a charter at the convention of that year.
Although there is no mention of a petitioning group at Tufts in the
1883 Annual, it is evident that there must have been a body of students
there seeking admission into the Fraternity. This assumption is borne
out by the account as given in the Quinquennial by one of the charter
members of the local society. According to this author the genesis of
the Tufts Chapter is to be found in the dissatisfaction that existed
among the more prominent non-secret men with the political and
social conditions on that campus as well as in the grounded belief that
some second-rate fraternity might enter the field and thus make the
situation more undesirable. Although the efforts of these men were
not successful in 1883, the convention did ask Cornell, Brown and
Amherst to look into the feasibility of planting a chapter at Tufts.
It is doubtful if this committee did more than report favorably upon
the proposition in 1884, at which time a new committee was instructed
to continue the investigation. In 1885 an adverse report was presented
but upon vote of the delegates the committee was retained.
Among the students at Tufts who had become interested in Delta
Upsilon was Wilson L. Fairbanks. Fairbanks was more than conscious
^Ibid., Minutes of the Lehigh Chapter, Oct. 10, 14, 1885, Tan. 17, 1886, Sept.
14, 1888.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 145
that the non-secret element at Tufts was breaking up, due in part to
a sense of distrust that had arisen in their ranks as to the sincerity of
some of their leaders as well as the likelihood of the entrance of a new
secret society. Fairbanks, who in all probability already had a copy of
Delta Upsilon's constitution, sensed the situation and together with
several other kindred souls held a private meeting May 29, 1886 at
which it was decided that those present would have nothing to do
with the proposed new secret society. Mention, moreover, was made
of Delta Upsilon; whereupon, it was agreed that an investigation of
the Fraternity should be made at once. Catalogues, magazines and
other publications of the Fraternity were looked into with the result
that on June 15, a formal petition signed by thirteen men was mailed
by Fairbanks to Crossett. With Commencement only three days off,
nothing could be done towards meeting the desires of these men.
Anything like a thorough investigation would have taken more time
to say nothing of the delay that would have arisen in obtaining by
letter the consent of the chapters. 233
The opening of college in the fall of the same year witnessed a
prompt revival of interest on the part of the petitioners. Believing that
their prospects would be increased by some type of an organization,
these men founded the Mathetican Society. Bolstered by this act over-
tures were made once more to Crossett who replied by sending Robert
S. Bickford of the Harvard Chapter to Tufts. Bickford was more than
pleased with the caliber of the Tufts men and was instrumental in
bringing about a joint meeting of the Mathetican Society and of the
Harvard Chapter. The Harvard group registered its sentiments by
voting in October, 1886 to endorse the petitioners at the next con-
vention. At the same time, the Tufts men were able to gain the good
will of the Secretary of the Tufts Faculty who graciously addressed
a letter to the Executive Council commending the local group in no
uncertain terms. Coincident with the receipt of this letter came a
formal petition signed by seventeen men of lie Mathetican Society. 234
At the Hamilton Convention, October 29, 1886, Frank O. Melcher
and Wilson L. Fairbanks were accorded the privilege of presenting
the merits of the Tufts society. After some debate the delegates voted
to admit this group. Nothing more was needed beyond providing for
formal installation, a detail that was arranged by the Executive Council
233 Annual, 1883-1886, Quinquennial, (1891), pp. xxii-xxiii, Minutes of the Cor-
nell Chapter, Nov. 23, 1883, W. L. Fairbanks to Crossett, Oct. 11, 1885, June 15,
1886.
284 Quinquennial, op. tit., pp. xxiii-xxiv, H. A. Dearborn to Crossett, Oct. s>6, 1886,
Mathetican Society to the Council, Oct. 26, 1886.
146 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
in conjunction with the Tufts group. Accordingly on December 4,
1886, at the Quincy House, Boston, Crossett and Otto M. Eidlitz
formally established the Tufts Chapter of Delta Upsilon. 235
Under the guidance of the eighteen men who became charter mem-
bers, the Tufts Chapter finished its first year with an increase in
numbers and local reputation. According to the available sources there
seem to have been no outward signs of antagonism on the part of the
secret groups beyond that of friendly rivalry. Additions to the chapter
roll were made in the years that followed, while on the campus indi-
vidual members gained recognition by winning class and athletic
honors. Chapter meetings were held in convenient quarters in West
Sommerville and West Medford. Later, a house was obtained at which
in 1896 the Fraternity was entertained. Tufts was represented at every
general meeting covered by this chapter except for 1890. The alumni,
moreover, took an active part in both local and national fraternity
life. Among these graduate members whose loyalty to the Fraternity
was evidenced a number of times, none played a more important r61e
than Fairbanks. From the very first, Fairbanks threw himself into
Fraternity life with a vim that was bound to attract attention. Later,
his services as a member of the Executive Council and as editor of the
Quarterly were of peculiar and lasting benefit to Delta Upsilon.
Less than a year after the foundation of Tufts a chapter was placed
at De Pauw. Although relatively young, De Pauw even then had a
number of secret societies. By 1882 these groups had split into two
general factions over the control of the local literary societies. So bitter
had this quarrel become that literary activity was brought practically
to an end; an outcome that was greatly deplored by the neutral
element. Among the neutrals there were some who believed that these
cultural pursuits were of greater benefit to the college and to them-
selves than the existing inter-fraternity war. Accordingly steps were
taken for the creation of a society of their own. At first informal
meetings were held. By 1883, however, a society was formed known
as the Organized Barbs. For a time the fortunes of this group pros-
pered, but by 1884 a crisis was reached. In part this was due to a
desertion by some to the ranks of the secret societies. Again, internal
trouble was engendered by an attempt to make out of the Organized
Barbs a local fraternity. The constant inroads, however, made upon
their society by the secret fraternities compelled those that remained
to take steps towards a more permanent organization.
In the fall of 1885, therefore, inquiries were addressed to one of the
** Annual, 1886, Crossett to Rutgers, Dec. 6, 1886.
> 'w*V''.
NEHEMIAH BOYNTON
AMHERST -79
PASTOR, CLINTON AVE CHURCH,
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
HENRY SPELLMEYER
NEW YORK 66
BISHOP OF METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
I (i,
.,/ \ I ,l<
CHARLES M SHELDON
BROWN 83
AUTHOR OF IN HIS STEPS '
CHARLES L SLATTERY
HARVARD 91
BISHOP OF PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
GEORGE CRAIG STEWART
NORTHWESTERN 'O2
BISHOP OF PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL
CHURCH
Keystone Tiav Co
IRVING P JOHNSON
UNION '87
BISHOP OF PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL-
CHURCH
HARRY EMERSON FOSDICK
COLGATE '00
PASTOR OF RIVERSIDE CHURCH,
NEW YORK CITY
JOHN HAYNES HOLMES
HARVARD 'O2
PASTOR OF COMMUNITY CHURCH,
NEW YORK CITY
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 14?
better-known Greek letter groups not represented at De Pauw. Investi-
gation revealed that this fraternity was chiefly Southern in its scope
and influence and for that reason was not suited to conditions at
De Pauw. Although a few of the Barbs were of the opinion that
nothing more should be done until the next school year, others wanted
overtures to be made as soon as possible to some other fraternity.
In casting about for such a possibility, an examination was made of
certain material that recently had been published in the De Pauw
Monthly. Here a list of fraternities was given together with a statement
of their relative standing and prominence. Among these was Delta
Upsilon which strongly appealed to the Barbs by reason of its pros-
perous condition and the ideals upon which it had been founded. 236
In the meantime the attention of Delta Upsilon had been turned
towards De Pauw. At the 1883 Convention the delegates after some
discussion voted for the appointment of a committee, composed of
Northwestern and Michigan, to look into the situation at De Pauw.
The report of this committee was adverse in nature. In spite of this
and a similar statement in 1885 the committee was retained. Late in
May, 1886 Michigan received a communication from the Barbs.
Michigan's reply greatly encouraged these men who lost no time in
communicating directly with the Council. Crossett, who at that time
was the directing genius of this body, showered upon the local group
a number of Fraternity publications and encouraged them to go ahead
with their plans. Further correspondence on the part of the Barbs
with several of the chapters resulted in the drafting of a formal petition
to the Fraternity. Although dated June 7, 1886, the document was not
mailed until a week later; the delay being caused, doubtless, by a
desire on the part of its framers to obtain as large a number of signers
as possible. Accompanying this letter was a communication from
President Martin of De Pauw University which strongly endorsed the
petitioning group. 237
Within a month thereafter the Michigan Chapter reported to
Crossett that it was favorably disposed towards De Pauw. Acting on
the advice of this chapter the Barbs kept up a correspondence during
the summer, and in September, 1886 asked Crossett to canvass the
288 Quarterly, V: 165-167, Quinquennial, (1891), pp. xxiv-xxv. J. F. Meredith was
the author of the account in the Quarterly, op. cit. He also sketched an account in
the same, XL VII .-661-662, which conflicts with the older account as to details. I
have followed the earlier record as that was closer to the event itself and therefore
is more likely to be accurate.
287 Annual, 1883-1885, Quarterly, V: 167-168, J. F. Meredith to Crossett, May 22.
June 14, 1886.
148 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
chapters as soon as possible. Crossett was more than willing to do this
and after having seen to it that De Pauw had sent catalogues to all
of the chapters, issued a circular letter stating that the Executive
Council favored Delta Upsilon's entrance into De Pauw. In view of
the fact that the convention of that year was to meet at Madison on
October 28, only a few of the chapters seem to have replied. Of these
Lehigh, Madison, Marietta and Colby were favorably disposed, while
Cornell took a contrary position. Realizing that nothing now could
be done, Crossett invited De Pauw to send one of their men to the
convention. This delegate appeared and presented the case of the Barbs
with the result that the convention voted to allow the Council to
"determine the advisability of establishing a chapter at De Pauw."
Interpreting this motion as a commission to establish a chapter,
Crossett immediately informed John F. Meredith, the delegate from
De Pauw, that a committee would visit Greencastle in the near future.
A little later he wrote stating that his visit had to be delayed but that
he would appear before the dose of the year. For some unknown
reason, this was not done. Meredith became alarmed over this delay,
especially as some of the Barbs were on the point of accepting bids
from the secret societies. Even this failed to arouse Crossett who does
not appear to have reached Greencastle until March 31, 1887. After
some consultation with the Barbs, members of the Faculty, and Presi-
dent Martin, Crossett with the help of George I. Larash of North-
western and Fred C. Clark of Michigan formally installed the De Pauw
Chapter, Saturday, April 2, iSSy. 238
Crossett's action in planting the De Pauw Chapter raised consider-
able discussion at the 1887 Convention. It was the opinion of a number
of delegates that the 1886 Convention had never given its consent to
the establishment of a chapter and for that reason Crossett's action
was null and void. The details of this dispute are discussed elsewhere
in this volume; hence it only remains to be stated here that the action
of the convention, October 28, 1887, is the correct date for fixing the
founding of the De Pauw Chapter. 239
The advent of Delta Upsilon at De Pauw caused some comment
among the secret societies. Some opposition followed but as Delta
Upsilon grew in size and influence its position on the campus became
generally accepted by all. Class and college honors as well as athletic
^Michigan to Crossett, July 10, 1886, J. F. Meredith to Crossett, Sept. 19, Oct.
12, 17, 23, Nov. 7, Dec. 7, 1886, Jan. 31, Feb. 14, 1887, Annual, 1886, Quarterly,
V:i6 7 -i69.
230 See above, pp 90-94.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 149
distinction aided the chapter in its steady growth during the remainder
of the century. From the very first the society rented a suite of rooms
for meeting and social purposes. From a national point of view, De
Pauw was represented at every convention covered by this chapter
except that for 1887. Further, in 1895, De Pauw was host to the
Fraternity.
Following the founding of De Pauw, a chapter was established at
Pennsylvania. That this institution merited a chapter of Delta Upsilon
no one denied. Indeed looking at the situation from the present day
one wonders why the Fraternity was so slow in entering one of our
oldest and best universities. As it was, the attention of the Fraternity
was first directed towards Pennsylvania at the 1881 Convention, when
Rutgers, Hamilton and Madison were asked to "establish a chapter"
at that institution. For the next two years this committee seems to
have done little more than mark time, though in 1884 it reported
that conditions there did not warrant establishing a chapter. The con-
vention accepted this report and discharged the committee and with
this action no further attention was paid to Pennsylvania until i886. 240
In the meantime the Executive Council had been established and
under the direction of that body expansion became the order of the
day. Possibly it was Crossett that brought Pennsylvania before the 1886
Convention as his interest in Fraternity growth had been shown on
more than one occasion. Be that as it may, the delegates after some
debate directed the Council to appoint a committee to found a Penn-
sylvania Chapter. The earlier attempts in 1881 had doubtless come
to naught because of the absence of any group interested in the
Fraternity at Pennsylvania. In 1886 the exact opposite existed. Some
time in August of that year Crossett communicated with Thomas C.
Ely, Madison '85, who at that time was a medical student at Penn-
sylvania. Crossett seems to have suggested to Ely the possibility of a
chapter at that university. Ely's reply was not received until the middle
of September. His answer endorsed the idea of a chapter and stated
that he would look into the matter in the near future. It may be that
Crossett mentioned these facts to the delegates in 1886, though the
Executive Council's report at that time said nothing at all about
Pennsylvania. 241
Backed up, however, by the action of the Convention, Crossett
240 Annual, 1881-1885.
^Ibid., 1886, T. C. Ely to Crossett, Sept. 11, 1886. In this letter there is reference
to a letter from Crossett dated the "i6th," which of course could not be of
September.
150 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
immediately turned his attention to the matter. Having secured the
name of Alexander W. Russell, possibly from Ely, as an outstanding
non-fraternity man at Pennsylvania, Crossett wrote to him inquiring
as to his attitude and as to the fraternity situation at his institution.
Russell's reply contained enough information to warrant a continu-
ation of correspondence. Acting on Crossett's advice, Russell canvassed
a number of neutrals and after a close study of the ideals of Delta
Upsilon, sent Crossett a list of persons who might be interested in the
advent of a new fraternity. Crossett at once asked Russell to sound
out these men and on January 18, 1887 presented the entire matter
to the Executive Council. Crossett spoke in favor of Pennsylvania at
this meeting and the Executive Council appointed Hughes, Eidlitz
and Crossett a committee to take charge of the matter and make the
necessary arrangements relative to installation. On the same day of
this meeting Russell wrote Crossett that those interested in Delta
Upsilon would be glad to see Crossett within a week as they were
anxious to find out more about Delta Upsilon and what it might cost
to form a chapter. Crossett answered these letters and visited Phila-
delphia some time before January 26, 1887. Crossett's visit resulted
in the local group forming themselves into an association so as to
further their entrance into the Fraternity. For the next few months,
however, matters lagged due in part to the lack of confidence that
some of the men had in Russell and also because others were some-
what content with existing conditions. As one of them observed in a
letter to Crossett, local interest in clubs, studies and literary activities
was so great that there hardly seemed to be any reason for joining
a fraternity. Here matters rested for some time. 242
Upon the opening of school in the fall of 1887, Russell informed
Crossett that although he had left college he was willing to cooperate
in any effort towards establishing a chapter at Pennsylvania. Russell's
letter came too late in September for Crossett to do anything before
the next convention. At this gathering Crossett told of the several
overtures that had been made to a group at Philadelphia but that
for the present nothing could be done towards founding a chapter.
The delegates accepted this report without any comment; an action
which Crossett interpreted as meaning an extension of the authority
to the Executive Council which had been given in 1886. Crossett,
therefore, went ahead and replied to Russell's repeated letters by
342 A. W. Russell to Crossett, Dec. 21, 1886, Jan. 7, 18, Feb. i, Mar. 7, 1887, E.
W. Mumford to Crossett, May 12, 1887, Minutes of the Executive Council, Tan.
18, 26, 1887.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 151
forwarding fraternity material and by urging him to continue in his
efforts. Russell, it appears, worked most diligently and by January 20,
1888 forwarded to Crossett a petition signed by seven men, all of whom
seem to have been most enthusiastic about joining Delta Upsilon.
The Executive Council, however, felt that seven was not enough to
warrant granting a charter.
At this juncture, Crossett went to Philadelphia believing, doubtless,
that his own efforts would stimulate interest and recruit a larger
number of petitioners. In this he was successful as some twelve stu-
dents were secured in the course of the next month. These, Russell,
was able to form into a society with officers and a constitution. A report
of all this was given to the Executive Council by Crossett; whereupon
that body voted a charter to the petitioning group. Crossett forwarded
this information to Philadelphia together with a statement that instal-
lation would take place on March 17. Due, however, to a severe storm,
the event was postponed until the twenty-third, at which time Crossett,
Hughes and three others of the Executive Council installed the Penn-
sylvania group in the presence of delegates from nine chapters. Eleven
men were initiated into the chapter. 243
The action of the Executive Council, as is shown elsewhere in this
volume, was questioned on the ground that no authority had been
given for the founding of Pennsylvania. The delegates, however, at the
1888 Convention, not wishing to penalize the petitioners, voted to
admit them into Delta Upsilon. This vote was taken on October 26,
1888 and in accordance with the constitution of the Fraternity at that
time, should be viewed as the correct date for fixing the establishment
of the Pennsylvania Chapter. 244
In the meantime, the Pennsylvania group had gone ahead and rented
in April, 1888 two steam-heated rooms on the third floor of a flat on
the corner of Seventeenth and Chestnut Streets. For the next two years
the chapter increased in size and influence, but beginning with 1890 a
decided slump took place. Only two new members were added from the
classes of 1893 and 1894, while but five were gained from the class of
1895 and only three from that of 1896. The absence of any chapter
letter in the Quarterly for a number of issues is further evidence of
the decline in fraternity interest at Pennsylvania. No representative,
moreover, was present at the 1890 and 1892 Conventions. Aware of
343 A. W. Russell to Crossett, Sept. 28, Nov. i, 8, 27, Dec. 20, 1887, Jan. 20, 30,
Feb. 8, 16, 21, 26, Mar. 6, 7, 18, 20, 1881, Annual, 1887-1888, Quarterly, VI:i6g,
Minutes of the Executive Council, Jan. 26. Mar. 3, 19. 1888,
244 See above, pp 94-98.
15* DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
these facts, Fairbanks and Thomas of the Executive Council, upon
direction of the convention, determined to salvage the chapter if it was
not altogether too late. Correspondence and conversations took place
between these men and Thomas L. Coley and Ryland W. Greene, both
of the class of 1892, as to conditions at Pennsylvania.
According to Coley, whose views seem to have been endorsed by
Fairbanks, Pennsylvania's decline might be attributed to the lack of
fraternity spirit in the chapter, the dormitory system of the University
and the absence of any support from either alumni or chapters. More
important than these considerations, Coley believed was the fact that
the chapter had been founded without sufficient care and organization.
In other words, Coley declared that it was a "gross error" to have
granted a charter to the group led by Russell. Somewhat dismayed by
these facts, Thomas and Fairbanks visited Pennsylvania, where they
found conditions much as had been reported. Conversations, however,
with the chapter resulted in the appearance of a new attitude, while
a steering committee, of which Joseph R. Smith, '95 was chairman,
was formed. This body, together with what help the Executive Council
and alumni furnished, was able to bring about a reorganization of
the chapter. Seven and nine men were secured respectively from the
classes of 1897 and 1898. Further additions were made in the years
that followed with the result that Pennsylvania was able to weather
the storm of internal disintegration and take her place once more in the
conventions of Delta Upsilon. From 1895 she was represented at every
national gathering, while at home her influence and size continued
to reflect the good work of the reorganization days of 1892 and iSgj. 245
The next chapter in order of founding was that established at Minne-
sota. Interest in that institution seems to have shown itself at the 1882
Convention when a committee composed of Northwestern and Western
Reserve were appointed to examine the "advisability of establishing a
chapter" there. No report was made by this committee in either 1883
or 1884. During the spring of 1885, however, Crossett opened up
negotiations with Carman N. Smith, Michigan '83, who at that time
was living at Minneapolis. Smith's reply expressed the hope that he
and the other fifteen Delta U's in the city might help in the founding
of a chapter. Possibly Crossett answered this letter though there is no
evidence to that effect. In any event it must have been Crossett who
was responsible for the insertion within the 1885 Annual that the
246 Quinquennial, (1903), pp. 870-875, T. L. Coley to Thomas, April 20, May 7,
1893, R. W. Greene to Thomas, Nov. 2, 1893, Fairbanks to Thomas, Sept. 3, 1890,
Annual, 1890-1893, A. W. Russell to Crossett, April 18, 1888.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 153
Minnesota Committee still existed even though it had made no report
that year. Crossett, evidently, wished to keep this institution before
the attention of the Fraternity so that when the occasion presented
itself a foundation of opinion favorable to Minnesota would be already
existing. No statement was made, however, by this committee in 1886,
but once again the Annual recorded the existence of this body. During
1887, Crossett received a letter from Prof. Christopher W. Hall,
Middlebury '71, of the University of Minnesota in which the wish was
expressed that the Executive Council would "use a little money and
discretion during the coming year" in the way of fostering a chapter
at that institution. Hall was of the opinion that there never could be a
good alumni group in Minneapolis without a chapter at the state
institution. Stress of business, relative to De Pauw and Pennsylvania,
prevented Crossett from giving any serious attention to Minnesota.
At the Convention, however, of that year the Michigan delegate in a
very able paper on extension pointed out the advantages of Minnesota.
The following year, the committee, which still seems to have existed,
advised favorable action but the delegates saw fit to lay the recom-
mendation on the table. 246
At the 1889 Convention the Council reported that inquiries relative
to Minnesota had been made but that for the time being conditions
did not warrant Delta Upsilon's entrance. The delegates, however,
thought differently as the Council was instructed to look into the
matter still further and report at the next convention. In the mean-
time conditions at Minnesota were moving towards the establishment
of some type of an organization that might combat the monopolistic
tendencies of certain individuals who had come to dominate class
elections. It is of interest to note that this opposition was not built
upon any dislike of the secret societies; rather was it aimed at an inner
group of students who sought to keep class elections where they
wished. In the fall of 1889 those neutrals who were anxious to modify
existing conditions carried on a counter campaign with the result
that they were able to break up the clique that heretofore had been
in control. For their success they earned from their opponents the
name of Hautbeaux or, in more vulgar language, Hobos. The success
of 1889 was duplicated in 1890 and again in 1891. By this time the
soil at Minnesota was ripe for the founding of a new society. Indeed
some of the neutrals openly talked about petitioning one of the secret
groups not represented at Minnesota, while others, having heard of
** Annual, 1882-1887, C. N. Smith to Crossett, Mar. 25, 1885, C. W. Hall to
Crossett, Oct. 20, 1887.
154 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Delta Upsilon, talked among themselves of taking steps in that direc-
tion. Shortly thereafter copies of Our Record were received by the
Hautbeaux Club which stimulated most of its members to seek admis-
sion into Delta Upsilon. Profs. C. W. Hall and A. R. Moore, both
members of the Fraternity and of the Faculty, were approached and
their help solicited. Hall and Moore encouraged the Hautbeaux Club
with the result that a formal petition was addressed to the Minneapolis
Alumni Association of Delta Upsilon requesting them to consider their
desire for a charter. This petition was signed by eight seniors and four
juniors. The alumni immediately forwarded the petition to the national
headquarters. 247
This petition must have been received by the Executive Council
sometime late in January, 1890. This body replied shortly thereafter
and while no copy of this letter is at hand, it is evident in the light of
later developments that the Executive Council must have expressed
itself as favorable to the proposition. In answer to this communication,
Moore urged the immediate establishment of a chapter. Some of the
petitioners, Moore believed, were not desirable members and for that
reason he suggested that a committee be appointed to look over the
ground and select a nucleus "which shall begin operations at once."
Information of what had taken place was then laid before the Execu-
tive Council at a meeting held February 19, 1890. After some discussion
it was voted that "permission be asked of the chapters to initiate
certain members of the University of Minnesota by the Chapter at
the University of Wisconsin, with the understanding that if they prove
themselves worthy they may be granted a charter by the Convention
in 1890." What seemed to concern the Executive Council was the fact
that the petitioners were limited to the upper classes, a number of
whom would leave college in June. For this reason the Council decided
that immediate installation was out of the question. There was no
reason, however, why certain students at Minnesota might not be
initiated, subject to chapter consent, even though this was a departure
from the accepted procedure and without precedent of any kind. 248
Thomas, who seems to have conducted most of the correspondence
with the Hautbeaux Club, intimated to them in a letter that it would
be expedient for them to undertake a more formal organization and
increase their size by admissions from the lower classes. These sug-
*" Quinquennial (1891), pp. xxviii-xxix, Minneapolis Alumni Association to Ex-
ecutive Council, Jan. 21, 1890; this letter contained the petition from, the local
group to the Alumni Association.
346 A. R. Moore to Thomas, Feb. 6, 1890, C. W. Hall to Crossett, Feb. 28, 1890,
Minutes of the Executive Council, Feb. 19, 1890.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 155
gestions seem to have been carried out, information concerning which
reached Thomas early in March of the same year. In the meantime
Thomas had written the chapters asking for their approval of the
Executive Council's action of February 19. Answers to this request were
received from the chapters by May 9, all but Syracuse and Amherst
giving their consent. These chapters, as well as others, thought the
procedure unusual and not calculated to bring about the establishment
of a strong chapter. Hamilton, for example, stated that "if a chapter
is to be admitted, it should be received squarely 8: openly with no half
way work. She does not favor withholding a charter until the men
have proved themselves by their work to be of proper material. The
qualifications for admission should be so high & rigid that there can
be no possible doubt what the result will be. The men should be such
that a charter can be granted unconditionally & the new initiates
immediately enter upon their duties." Sentiment of this type seemed
to be so strong that Thomas doubted that any action could be taken.
After some further thought, Thomas suggested, in a letter to Minne-
sota, that a way around the difficulty might be found by establishing
a Minnesota Chapter "as of the Wisconsin Chapter." Minnesota, how-
ever, expressed herself as opposed to this procedure and urged that
pressure be brought to bear upon those societies that seemed reluctant
to accept the decision of the Council. Pressure by alumni was exerted
with the result that one by one the opposing chapters gave their con-
sent, though it is evident that these would not have yielded were it
not for the pressure and "the peculiar exigencies of the case." By
May 10, 1890, every chapter had mailed in its acceptance. 249
Whereupon, the Executive Council, in view of a resolution that had
been passed by that body, proceeded to make plans for the initiation
of the Minnesota men. The local group on receiving this news imme-
diately pledged three more underclassmen and made arrangements for
the initiation ceremonies. On May 23, 1890 a committee composed of
Albert R. Moore, Edward B. Barnes, Carman N. Smith and Frederick
Whitton, inducted fifteen men into Delta Upsilon. It is to be noted
that this action did not create a Minnesota Chapter as no vote on such
a question had ever been brought before the chapters. The vote that
had been taken was one that merely authorized the initiation of the
men at Minnesota. And until granted a charter this group was known
* A. W. Shaw to Thomas, Mar. 3, 22, 31, April 9, 23, May 4, 1890, E. B. Barnes
to Thomas, April 23, 1890, Circular Letter to the Minneapolis Alumni Association
to the Executive Council and Chapters, April 21, 1890, Hamilton to Thomas, May
3, 1890. There are a number of letters from the chapters on this matter at the
general headquarters of the Fraternity.
156 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
as the Minnesota Division of the Wisconsin Chapter. At the 1890
Convention the delegates from Minnesota, Albert W. Shaw and Walter
A. Chowen were accorded seats. A little later the Executive Council
made its report: whereupon the Convention on October 22, 1890 unan-
imously voted to grant a charter to the "students at the University of
Minnesota who had been initiated on May 23, 1890 as members of
the Delta Upsilon Fraternity." This action, therefore, and not the
initiation ceremonies constitutionally established the date of the found-
ing of the Minnesota Chapter. 250
In this respect it is to be noted that no installation ever took place;
the Fraternity evidently considered the initiation ceremonies of May
as equivalent to installation. And yet technically these ceremonies
cannot be so interpreted. All that the Fraternity had done in May
was to initiate certain students into Delta Upsilon; moreover, these
men were known as belonging to the Wisconsin Chapter, a procedure
which from a constitutional point of view was extremely odd to say
the least. One cannot but conclude that the judgment expressed by the
Hamilton Chapter was in keeping with Fraternity policies and that it
should have been followed in this particular case.
"" From the very first the Minnesota men more than held their own
among the other fraternities. Honors were gained in athletics, while
many a class office was won. In part this was due to the eagerness of
the men to win distinction for themselves and the Fraternity. On the
other hand, the soundness of chapter life and policy, particularly that
which stressed literary activity, had much to do with this success. The
chapter, moreover, maintained quarters at 617 Fifteenth Avenue. Later
rooms were occupied at 211 Beacon Street and 522 Twelfth Avenue.
In 1898 the chapter moved into a house of its own. Minnesota was
represented at all of the remaining conventions of the century except
for 1892 and iSgy. 251
The last decade of the nineteenth century witnessed the establish-
ment of seven chapters, of which that founded at the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology was the first. The attention of the Council
seems to have been directed towards this college in the spring of 1887
when Fairbanks, then a senior at Tufts, inquired whether any thought
had ever been given to a chapter at Technology. 252 Nothing, however,
550 Minutes of the Executive Council, May 9, 1890, A. R. Moore to Thomas, May
14, 1890, A. W. Shaw to Thomas, May 21, 1890, Thomas to Rutgers, 1890 (no
other date given), Quarterly, 111:208-209, 223, 281-284, Annual, 1890.
851 In 1892 Minnesota reported by telegram.
** Fairbanks to Crossett, Mar. 6, 1887.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 157
materialized for the time being and it was not until January, 1891,
that anything more is heard of the matter. During that month, Frank
C. Shepherd, then a junior at Technology, proposed to several of his
friends that a society be formed with a view of joining Delta Upsilon.
Upon being asked why he had singled out Delta Upsilon, Shepherd
replied that he had heard of the society through one of his home
friends who recently had joined the Amherst Chapter and that he was
thoroughly convinced that this was the Fraternity he wished to pro-
mote at Technology. This statement seems to have won over those
whom Shepherd had approached and steps were immediately taken
towards gaining the desired objective. An examination of the college
annual revealed the names of Louis Derr, Amherst '89 and Lincoln
C. Heywood, Brown '90 among the students at Technology. Contact
was made with these men with the result that on March 19, 1891 a
local society, known as Nu Chi, was established. According to the
aims of the eleven men who signed the local constitution, which had
been drafted by Derr along lines similar to Delta Upsilon, a charter
was to be sought for from that Fraternity as soon as possible. 253
Steps in this direction had been taken by Shepherd early in February
when letters were addressed to the Executive Council. Encouraged by
this body, Shepherd, together with Derr and Heywood, as well as Frank
Vogel, Harvard '87, then an instructor at Technology, additions were
made to Nu Chi. Thomas, in behalf of the Executive Council, urged
this group to increase its size, which immediately was done. By the
middle of March, eighteen men had joined Nu Chi and a formal peti-
tion had been forwarded to the national headquarters. The Executive
Council, however, seems to have taken no action beyond informing
Shepherd that they would consider and investigate. Nu Chi was not
certain whether the Executive Council wished them to push their
claims or wait until the fall. Delay, according to their idea, was
injuring the growth of the group which wanted immediate action.
Shepherd's enthusiasm went so far as to lead him to propose to Thomas
that the chapters consent to the issuing of a provisional charter. Backed
up by this, Nu Chi would be able to increase its size and influence so
that by convention time it would be securely founded and worthy of
a permanent charter. The Executive Council, however, on examining
the situation informed Nu Chi that they must have more underclass-
men before any action could be taken. This Nu Chi proceeded to do
with the result that on May 8, 1891 the Executive Council issued a
** Quarterly, X:g6.
158 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
letter to the chapters asking their consent to the immediate establish-
ment of a chapter at Technology. 254
In adopting this procedure the Executive Council was within the
letter of the Constitution which permitted the granting of charters
between conventions upon vote of the chapters. Further, precedent
for this method existed in the cases of Lafayette, Columbia and Minne-
sota. Ever since the De Pauw and Pennsylvania incidents, the chapters
had become somewhat jealous of their powers over the granting of
charters. Moreover the Minnesota case had done little to mollify this
attitude. Accordingly when some of the chapters received the Executive
Council's letter, protest was registered. Cornell, for example, while
giving its consent stated "she is not in favor of this way of establishing
chapters. The proper way is by convention." Rutgers was of the same
opinion, while a few of the chapters seem to have been opposed on
other grounds. Even at Technology itself sentiment was expressed by
Derr and Heywood that it would be better to wait until the fall
convention. As a result of these various reactions, the Executive Council
deferred the affair until the 1891 Convention. At this gathering the
merits of Technology were presented by the Executive Council with
the result that all opposition vanished and a charter was granted.
This action took place on November 11, 1891. Early in the evening of
the same day the Executive Council formally installed the Technology
Chapter of Delta Upsilon. 255
Twenty-seven men were initiated as charter members of the new
society. Fraternity meetings were held at 377 -Columbia Avenue during
the year 1891-1892- In the fall of 1892 the chapter moved to the
Ludlow Apartment on St. James Avenue. Two years later headquarters
were established at 52 Chester Street, while in 1895 the chapter rented
a home at 549 Massachusetts Avenue. Here the chapter remained until
the fall of 1899 when new quarters were obtained at 246 Newbury
Street. During these years the chapter devoted attention to literary
activities, though it by no means lost sight of the advantages offered
by athletic and extra-curricular pursuits. Delegates were present at
every convention except in 1899. Among the graduates of Technology
at this time was Clifford M. Swan whose devotion to the Fraternity
254 F. C. Shepherd to Thomas, Feb. i, 17, Mar. 4, 20, 28, April 5, 13, 1891, L. C.
Heywood to Thomas, April 23, 1891, Minutes of the Executive Council, Mar. 27,
May 3, 1891, Circular letter from the Executive Council to the Chapters, May 8,
1891.
885 L. Derr to Thomas, May 9, 16, 1891, Cornell to Thomas, June 6, 1891, Rutgers
to Thomas, May 30, 1891, Annual, 1891, Quarterly, X:24, 96-97. The records pre-
sened in New York contain a number of letters from the chapters favoring en-
trance. Technology was installed at the home of the Harvard Chapter.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 159
was to be shown by his loyal work as a Director and President. Thomas
R. Weymouth also should be remembered for his services on the
Executive Council.
Not until 1893 was another college added to the roll of Delta Upsilon.
Three years before the Executive Council had received a petition from
Kappa Beta Sigma of Swarthmore. This petition was signed by four-
teen men and stated that the local group had been founded in 1888.
Kappa Beta Sigma seems to have been the logical outcome of a move-
ment at Swarthmore in favor of greater social and fraternity life. The
advent of Kappa Sigma and Phi Psi to Swarthmore in 1889 stimulated
the interest of those who were already members of Kappa Beta Sigma
which had grown to such a point by 1891 where union with some
national fraternity was desirable. Delta Upsilon was singled out by
these men as the fraternity they wished to join. Having come to this
decision the above-mentioned petition was forwarded to the Executive
Council and by them to the Convention of 1891. In view of the fact
that the delegates knew little or nothing of the petitioning group and
because the Executive Council had introduced the petition with little
or no comment, a motion to grant a charter was lost twenty to four.
The effect of this vote was to stimulate Kappa Beta Sigma to greater
efforts. Late in the same year, therefore, the members of this local,
acting upon the advice of several Delta ITs, determined to reorganize
their society so as to put it more in tune with the aims of Delta
Upsilon. Heretofore the existence of Kappa Beta Sigma had been kept
a secret at Swarthmore. Continuance of this policy was now viewed
by its members as being contrary to the best interests of the group if
membership in Delta Upsilon was to be won. Accordingly, on April 9,
1893 at the Hotel Luray, Atlantic City, there was organized the Pi
Kappa Omicron Society. According to its constitution, which was pat-
terned after that of Delta Upsilon, the fraternity was to be non-secret
in nature. The badge was a silver triangle with a garnet center bearing
the letters Pi Kappa Omicron. 256
During the months that immediately followed Pi Kappa Omicron
sought to introduce itself to several of the chapters of Delta Upsilon.
The reception that it received seems to have been cordial. Small
wonder was it therefore that John R. Hayes and John L. Carver went
to the Colby Convention believing that their mission would be success-
258 Petition of Kappa Beta Sigma, Oct. 25, 1891. Quarterly, XII: 14-15, Annnal,
1891. Among the letters at the Headquarters is one dated Oct. 12, 1891 from G. W.
Sanborn of the Michigan Chapter to the Council in which there is reference to a
receipt of a communication from the "Temporary Chapter" of D. U. at Swarth-
more College asking us to support them at the coming convention.
160 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
ful. On reaching this meeting they discovered that the Executive
Council while ready to endorse other groups had nothing to say as to
Swarthmore. Maybe Hayes and Carver expected this as there is no
evidence that a formal petition had been submitted to the Council.
Through the kindness, however, of William H. Perry, Syracuse '93,
a motion was introduced allowing the Swarthmore men to plead their
case. Having listened to this, the convention then discussed the merits
of the petitioners. It was the belief of some that Swarthmore was too
small a college for Delta Upsilon to enter, while others seem to have
wanted more time for consideration. As a result, a motion to grant
a charter was defeated by a vote of seventeen to four. 257
Although Swarthmore had been denied, the impression that its
delegates received of Delta Upsilon was enough to convince Pi Kappa
Omicron that it should continue its efforts for a charter. At the same
time the attention of the Executive Council had been turned towards
this local group. In June, 1893, moreover, Fairbanks, then on the
Executive Council, chanced to visit Swarthmore. Fairbanks found the
group quite satisfactory and reported to Thomas that the society, if
granted a charter, would be an asset to Delta Upsilon. Correspondence
then followed between the local group and the Executive Council
with the result that a formal petition was presented. The Council
referred this to the delegates of the 1893 Convention with the request
that the delegates give it their careful consideration. The delegates
also listened to the pleas of Henry McAllister and Allen K. White,
representatives from Swarthmore. Enthusiasm ran high and for a time
it looked as though a charter would be voted. A motion to that effect,
however, was lost by two votes. On the following day, October 5,
E. R. Stevens of the Wisconsin Chapter was able to reopen the matter.
Whereupon a motion was put and carried that the granting of a
charter be left with the Council "with full power to act." Of the
chapters not present, New York voted aye by letter, while Pennsylvania
and Technology wired their approval. 258
During the winter that followed Fairbanks and Thomas visited
Swarthmore and found the petitioning group entirely satisfactory. On
January 39, 1892 the Executive Council voted to grant a charter.
Arrangements for installation followed and on the evening of March
3, 1894, forty-one graduate and undergraduate members of the local
society were initiated into Delta Upsilon. The pledges were taken by
Fairbanks and John Patterson. During the remaining years of the
257 Quinquennial, (1903), p. 18, Quarterly, XII: 14-15, Annual, 1892.
** Annual, 1893, Quinquennial, op. tit., 18-19, Quarterly, XII:i5-i7.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 161
century the Swarthmore Chapter continued to grow and prosper.
Social, class and athletic honors were won, while literary activities
became a feature of their regular meetings. Rooms were secured in
what was known as the "Borough Hall." It should also be noted that
the chapter tried to keep a close contact with its alumni by continuing
the publication of a paper known as the Triangle. Swarthmore was
present at every national gathering throughout the remainder of the
century, while one of its members, Charles T. Brown, '98, became a
member of the Executive Council during the same period. 259
Heretofore, Delta Upsilon had ranked as an Eastern Fraternity. Out
of the total number of its chapters but eight were west of the Alleghenys
and of these but one, Minnesota, was west of the Mississippi River.
In 1896, however, Delta Upsilon moved out to the Pacific and founded
two chapters at Stanford and California. Neither of these institutions
was unknown to the members of Delta Upsilon. Occasional comments
in the Quarterly had introduced these universities as suitable places
for fraternity growth. Delta Upsilon's traditional policy of conservatism
plus the great distance that would separate any Pacific coast chapter
from the rest of the Fraternity were factors that argued against any
expansion in that direction. And yet it was from Minnesota that the
first suggestion came that the Council should consider penetrating this
field. Late in October, 1891, Thomas received a letter from Albeit W.
Shaw of the Minnesota Chapter stating that George Clark, Minnesota
'91, then living at Stanford, had written him to the effect that he
intended interviewing President Jordan as to Delta Upsilon's entrance
into that institution. Shaw inquired of Thomas as to what might be
the attitude of the Executive Council. It is not known that Thomas
ever replied to this letter or that Clark ever spoke to Jordan. In any
event the matter had been introduced and the first step taken towards
the founding of a Stanford Chapter. A year later, at the Colby Con-
vention, Melville T. Cook of the De Pauw Chapter introduced, at the
request of his chapter, the question of forming a branch at Stanford.
After some discussion the Executive Council was instructed to take
steps towards the establishment of a local society which was to apply
for a charter at the earliest opportunity. 260
Exactly why Cook sponsored this move or why his chapter had taken
such an interest in Stanford is not known. It may be that Cook was
even then thinking of transferring to that university as he finally did
in the fall of 1893. Or it is possible that De Pauw had been encouraged
^Minutes of the Executive Council, Jan. 29, 1894, Quarterly,
280 A. W. Shaw to Thomas, Oct. 28, 1891, Annual, 1892.
i6s DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
to take this stand as a result of some unknown contact. Be that as it
may, the Executive Council had been directed to make an investiga-
tion. Little, however, was done by this body for the simple reason that
it was overburdened at the time with matters incident to a revision of
the constitution. In the meantime Melville T. Cook and Albert Crane,
both of the De Pauw Chapter matriculated at Stanford and had written
Thomas that they were endeavoring to form a local group. The Execu-
tive Council reported this fact at the 1893 Convention together with
the suggestion that the delegates give a vote of encouragement to Cook
and Crane. Whereupon the Convention passed a resolution informing
these men that when the local group at Stanford was ready to apply
for the charter the Fraternity would give them very careful con-
sideration. On receipt of this news, Cook and Crane approached
certain Delta U members of the faculty and one Albert E. Cooley, then
a student at Stanford, but who formerly had been pledged by the
De Pauw Chapter. Backed up by the support of these men, Cook and
Crane began the selection of men and on January 12, 1894 were able
to organize a local society known as Alpha Upsilon. In addition to
these two men, the society included Cooley, Edward C. Harwood,
Benjamin F. Bledsoe, John M. Gates, Charles W. Miller, Samuel Platt
and J. H. Timmons. Public notice of this event appeared in the Daily
Palo Alto on February 9, iSg-j. 261
Alpha Upsilon lost no time in informing the Executive Council of
these facts and of its determination to petition for a charter. A copy
of a petition was forwarded to the Executive Council which after some
consideration was referred by that body to the convention with a
recommendation for an affirmative action. In the meantime circulars
had been sent to all the chapters and a petition itself to the Union
Convention of 1894. At this gathering the Executive Council declared
itself in favor of Stanford. This declaration was embodied in a motion
which proposed that the petition be granted on the condition that
Alpha Upsilon, after three years' existence, could be able to show that
it had maintained the prestige of the Fraternity in the West and that
it could "assimilate the society to the character of the now existing
chapters." The Convention unanimously accepted this motion which
to all intents and purposes placed the Stanford group on probation
for three years.
Although disappointed over the outcome, Alpha Upsilon girded
itself for another attempt for immediate installation. Circulars were
881 A. Crane to Thomas, Sept. 4, 1893, Annual, 1893, Quinquennial (1903), pp.
20-21, Quarterly, XV: 196-198.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 163
again sent out while a formal petition was forwarded to the national
headquarters. The Executive Council reacted favorably to these over-
tures and referred them in a generous manner to the De Pauw Con-
vention of 1895. The delegates showed their interest by allowing
Charles J. Staples, of Amherst, to read the petition and by listening to
the representative of the local society, Edward C. Harwood. After
some discussion the convention voted to remove the period of proba-
tion; whereupon a motion to admit Alpha Upsilon was put and
carried. The Executive Council was also instructed to proceed with
the installation. This body carried out this order and on March 13,
1896 at the California Hotel in San Francisco, the Alpha Upsilon
Society became the Stanford Chapter of Delta Upsilon. Thornton B.
Penfield, Columbia '90, represented the Executive Council and for-
mally conducted the rites. 262
At the time of its establishment, Stanford was occupying quarters
in a rented house; formerly having had rooms in Mariposa Hall.
During the summer of 1896 ground was broken for a permanent home
which was occupied for the first time in the fall of the same year.
Supported by this effort the chapter forged ahead gaining recognition
for itself in all fields of student activity. Stanford was represented at
all of the conventions from 1897 to the end o the century. 263
Stanford's admittance to Delta Upsilon was made possible not only
because of the merits of the institution and the efforts of its founders
but also because of the rise of a local group at the University of
California, which likewise sought membership in Delta Upsilon. Had
Stanford acted alone it may have been that the convention would not
have founded a chapter so far removed from any other unit of the
Fraternity. Cook and Crane were well aware of this and while spon-
soring Alpha Upsilon had also furthered a similar movement at
Berkeley. 264 Cook and Crane appear to have visited California and
after conversations with several Delta U's on the faculty took steps
towards the founding of a local society. This was ultimately effected
on April 28, 1894, though it was not until May 12 of the same year
that public announcement was made. The society took as its name
283 M. T. Cook to Thomas, Feb. 11, April 30, 1894, Minutes of the Executive
Council, June 11, Oct. 22, 1894, Jan. 7, 1895, Quinquennial (1903), pp. 21-22, Annual,
1894-1896, E. L. Harwood to Thomas, May 24, 1895, C. W. Miller to Thomas, Oct.
14> 1895.
208 Quinquennial, (1903), p. 22.
284 An informal application seems to have been received by the Fraternity in
1878. Although referred to a committee nothing seems to have been done.
1 64 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Omega Alpha, adopted a monogram pin and took steps towards join-
ing Delta Upsilon. A formal petition was mailed to the Executive
Council signed by W. E. Lloyd, A. W. North, F. H. Dam, J. G. Howell,
J. A. Elston, E. C. Gage and A. C. Wyckoff. This petition was favor-
ably received by the Executive Council and referred to the 1894
Convention for action. After some deliberation a resolution was passed
encouraging Omega Alpha and instructing the Executive Council to
inform the society that its petition would receive careful consideration.
Why the convention took this action cannot be explained except on
the ground that in the minds of the delegates it was thought best
to postpone action for a while. This of course necessitated another
petition which in time appeared and was presented by C. J. Staples
of Amherst at the 1895 Convention. A. C. Wyckoff was allowed to
present the claims of the local group. Following this the delegates
voted to grant a charter and instructed the Council to arrange for
installation. 265
Installation took place March 13, 1896 in conjunction with that
of the Stanford group; Penfield conducting the ceremonies. At this
time the California Chapter was located in rooms on Kittredge Street.
The following year the men moved to the corner of Bancroft Way
and Dana Street. In student activity the chapter seems to have won
local reputation. It was represented at the Conventions of 1897, ^98
and 1900; while in 1898 it reported by letter. 266
The establishment of the two Pacific Coast Chapters seems to have
satisfied the Fraternity as far as expansion was concerned until 1898.
In that year the Convention did as bold a thing as when it had
crossed the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, in granting
a charter to the Omicron Nu Society of McGill University, Montreal,
Canada. The genesis of this society may be traced back to the fall of
1894. Among the freshmen who entered McGill that year were several
who seemed to have been attracted to one another by mutual interests
and desires. Although opportunities presented themselves to these
students to join one of the existing fraternities none of the invitations
were accepted. By the fall of 1897, however, these men came to the
conclusion that their friendships might well be cemented by the forma-
tion of a local society. M. Casewell Heine, Archibald H. Madaren
and Robert E. McConnell assumed the leadership and together with
r
** Quinquennial, op. tit., pp. 23-27, Minutes of the Executive Council, Tune 11,
Oct. 23, 1894, June 7, 1895, A. Elston to S. S. Hall, Oct. 10, 1895, Annual, 1894-1806.
* Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 25, Quarterly, XV:2i 2 -2i6.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 165
four others met at McConnell's room on September 28 and October 5
and formed a provisional society known as Unitas. Committees were
appointed to draft a constitution, secure rooms and gain entrance into
some general fraternity. By the middle of October of the same year
rooms were rented at 2443 Catherine Street and three new members
secured. At a meeting held October 9, Unitas reorganized itself under
the name of Omicron Nu. Its constitution, moreover, was formed with
the express purpose of petitioning for membership in Delta Upsilon.
This Fraternity had been selected because one of the local men, Angus
T. Davis, had a brother in Technology and from him gained informa-
tion relative to Delta Upsilon. 267
Late in October, 1897, Davis heard from his brother that the Frater-
nity Convention was to be held at Amherst that year. Davis imme-
diately got in touch with the other members of Omicron Nu. Then
and there a committee of three was appointed to go to Amherst and
present a petition; accordingly on the afternoon of October 21, Heine
and William C. Bishop addressed the delegates in favor of their society.
Some discussion followed as to the merits of the group and as to the
expediency of entering a Canadian College. Finally the delegates
resolved that extension should rest upon merit and not upon locality.
Beyond this expression of opinion the Convention would not go, at
least the Annual tells of no further action. At a later time the Quarterly
stated that the convention placed the society on "probation"; but of
this there is no mention in any of the other sources. It is true that
an earlier motion called for an investigation of Omicron Nu by the
Executive Council but this was withdrawn, according to the Annual,
after the passage of the above-mentioned resolution. The Executive
Council, however, was well within its powers when it undertook as it
did a survey of the situation at McGill in the months that followed.
Communications passed back and forth between the Executive Council
and the local group, in which the early history of the society was
outlined. Impressed by the standing of the college and by the evident
merit of the petitioners the Executive Council ordered a direct investi-
gation. This led to a visit by George F. Andrews, President of the
Fraternity. Andrews reported to the Executive Council that he had
found the society well suited to Delta Upsilon. Whereupon the Execu-
tive Council placed a recommendation in its report to the convention
that a charter be granted. At the 1898 Convention eleven members of
Omicron Nu were present in the interests of their society. The reaction
287 Quinquennial, op. tit, pp. 27-28.
166 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of the delegates was most enthusiastic and on October 20, 1898, a
charter was unanimously voted to Omicron Nu. 268
On November 1 1 of the same year President Andrews and Royal S.
Haynes, Cornell '99, installed the McGill Chapter in the parlors of the
local society. At that time the society lived at 1 1 1 Metcalf Street. Here
meetings were held and plans laid for the advancement of Delta
Upsilon. McGill was represented at the two remaining conventions of
the century. 269
In the founding of the McGill Chapter the Fraternity had become
international in nature and for this reason it is no longer correct to
speak of the "national" Fraternity. For purposes of clarity, therefore,
when there is a reference to the Fraternity in this narrative from now
on it will be to the "general" Fraternity. Delta Upsilon, however, has
never ignored worth while institutions within the United States.
Indeed the very year that witnessed the planting of McGill also saw
the establishment of the Nebraska Chapter. Nebraska was not unknown
to the members of Delta Upsilon but no serious attention was paid to
it as a field for expansion until 1897. Prior to that date it was the
opinion of the Fraternity that Nebraska did "not come very near the
standard of our brotherhood." In the meantime, however, the Univer-
sity was expanding and fraternities, sensing its possibilities, had entered
student life. Among those who were not members of these societies
were a few who believed in the ideals of fraternity life but who felt
that the existing groups were neglecting certain fundamental values.
Convinced that the only way whereby these values might be obtained
was through the establishment of a society of their own, there was
formed in 1896 the Tau Delta Omicron Fraternity. "It was an organ-
ized effort against the false fabric built up by the secret fraternities;
but the main object was the betterment of self and the broadening of
the social life of the university." 270
At first the existing fraternities assumed a hostile attitude but as
Tau Delta Omicron was determined in its right to exist, the opposi-
tion soon passed away. For a while the new society was quite happy
within its own four walls, but soon the realization was reached that
membership in a national organization was essential. Accordingly a
study was made of the existing fraternities not represented at Nebraska
and upon the urgent advice of Rev. Hugh O. Rowlands, Colgate '72,
** Annual, 1897, 1898, Quarterly, XVII:22, Quinquennial, (1903), pp. 27-29, W.
G. Bishop to Hall, Nov. 15 1897, Petition of Omicron Nu to Delta Upsilon, Oct. 8,
1898, Minutes of the Executive Council, Nov. 8, Dec. 13, 1897, Mar. 26, Oct. 10, 1898.
968 Quarterly f XVII.-22.
** Quarterly, XIII:222, Quinquennial, (1903), pp. 29-30.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1881-1899 167
pastor of the Lincoln First Baptist Church, Delta Upsilon was accepted
as the objective of Tau Delta Omicron. Conscious of the fact that
Nebraska was not well known to the Fraternity, the local society sent
Dr. Rowlands as its delegate to the 1897 Convention. With him
Rowlands brought a petition and this he handed over to Penfield,
Secretary of Delta Upsilon. Rowlands was then allowed to present the
claims of the petitioners. The delegates reacted most generously to
these overtures and while there seems to have been no desire to grant
a charter then and there, the Executive Council was instructed to
investigate and report at the next general meeting. This the Executive
Council proceeded to do and in the spring of 1898, Arthur H. Jameson,
Technology '93, visited Lincoln and spent two days in looking over
the situation. The report of his visit, which is preserved in the Fra-
ternity archives, proves beyond all doubt that Jameson was more than
convinced that here was an opportunity that Delta Upsilon could not
afford to miss. Small wonder was it therefore that the Executive Coun-
cil recommended to the delegates at the 1898 Convention that a charter
should be granted. A formal petition was also presented by P. H.
Thompson, a delegate of the Nebraska group. After some discussion
the Convention voted to grant a charter. On December 9, 1898, at
the Brace Building in Lincoln, George F. Andrews and Arthur H.
Jameson formally installed the Nebraska Chapter. 271
A little over a year after the founding of Nebraska the Fraternity
granted a charter to the Phi Alpha group of the University of Toronto.
Phi Alpha made its appearance in the early part of 1896 when a
group of men undertook to gain fraternal contacts, the lack of which
was being seriously felt at Toronto. Among these men, should be
mentioned Alexander Mackenzie and Fred Young. For over two years
the organization functioned as a local society during which time the
idea of membership in some national fraternity was often discussed
at meetings. Out of these discussions was born the idea of petitioning
Delta Upsilon. In this they were assisted by R. M. Breckenridge and
S. G. Beckett, both of Cornell and the McGill Chapters. A petition
was drafted and sent to the various chapters and to the Executive
Council, which as early as March of the same year had turned its at-
tention towards Toronto as a fit place for extension. The petition
was read at the 1899 Convention, at which meeting, Andrews in be-
half of the Executive Council spoke most favorably of the society
which he seems to have visited a short time before. Representatives
271 Quarterly, XVII.go-g^, Quinquennial, (1903), pp. 31-32, Annual, 1897, 1898,
Minutes of the Executive Council, 1897, 1898, passim.
i68 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of Phi Alpha were also presented to the delegates and were allowed
to speak in the interests of their society. After some debate the chap-
ters voted to grant a charter to the petitioning group. The installation
took place on December 15, 1899 at the Chapter House, 14 Grenville
Street. Brothers Beckett, Cutler and Penfield were in charge of these
rites. 272
The establishment of the Toronto Chapter marked the founding of
the fortieth chapter of Delta Upsilon. At the close of 1881 the Fra-
ternity had planted twenty-five chapters, of which Wesleyan, Wash-
ington and Jefferson, Miami, Trinity, Manhattan and Princeton were
inactive. Actually, therefore, there were but nineteen societies within
the Fraternity by 1881. The remaining years of the century witnessed
a rapid expansion. Chapters were founded not merely in well estab-
lished Eastern Colleges and Universities, but in other deserving in-
stitutions in the Middle West, in the Pacific Coast area and in the
Canadian Provinces to the North. Of these fifteen new chapters, not
a single one has ever been inactive all of which speaks volumes for
the wisdom and foresight of men like Crossett, Fairbanks, Penfield,
Thomas, Andrews and Hall, who together with many other loyal
Delta U's added much to the growth of the Fraternity.
** Quinquennial, (1903), pp. 31-32, Quarterly, XVIII:i7-i8, 53-56,
Annual, 1898, 1899, Minutes of the Executive Council, Mar. 26, 1898, Oct. 14, Dec.
8, 1899, S. G. Beckwith to the Executive Council, Jan. 24, 1899. p hi Alpha had
also rented rooms at Breadalbane Street and at 59 Czar Street.
Chapter VIII
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL
THE INCEPTION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY MEETINGS
AND ACTIVITIES CHANGE IN PERSONNEL IN 1 888 FINANCIAL MAT-
TERS THE FRATERNITY TREASURER AND TAXES CHAPTER
DELINQUENCIES
E Middlebury Convention of 1864 had given to the Fraternity a
JL constitutional basis far superior to anything that had existed be-
fore. A federation of various anti-secret societies had come into being
with some type of a national organization at its head. And yet on ex-
amination, as has been shown, the actual determination of policy
was left largely in the hands of the chapters assembled in convention.
To expect that this body with an increasing chapter roll, not to men-
tion other matters of fundamental significance, could adequately
handle fraternity affairs was clearly out of the question. An assembly
meeting but once a year, whose personnel moreover was largely
changed from one gathering to another, was evidently unfitted to
guide the future growth and development of Delta Upsilon. At the
same time little could be expected from the national officers, most of
whom from 1864 to 1879 inclusive were recruited from the under-
graduates. The inadequacy of the existing machinery of government
must have been apparent to many, particularly among the alumni
whose active interest in the Fraternity increased year after year.
Small wonder was it, therefore, that the need of a more central and
permanent organization was brought before the Fraternity at the
Union Convention of 1879. At this gathering a previously appointed
committee on charters introduced a motion relative to the creation
of an Executive Council. Possibly this committee in seeking to handle
the matter that had been assigned then came face to face with the
problem as to whom the issuing of charters should be assigned.
In any event this committee evidenced an opinion that what the
Fraternity really needed was some definite governing body that could
be trusted to cope with the ever mounting amount of fraternity busi-
169
170 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
ness. With this in mind the committee reported in favor of the in-
corporation of an Executive Council. This council was to consist of
three graduate and two undergraduate members, all of whom were
to be residents of New York State and who were to have their head-
quarters in New York City. This body was to direct the financial life
of the Fraternity, grant charters and supervise all fraternity activities
subject to the will of the chapters and alumni clubs in convention.
The delegates at the Union meeting accepted this report and sub-
mitted the same to the chapters for consideration. 273 Perhaps it was
thought wise to refer the matter to the chapters because of the funda-
mental change that was involved. Then again it may have been sub-
mitted in the form of an amendment to the constitution, in which
case it was necessary to gain chapter consent. Be that as it may, the
chapters seem to have discussed the matter in their meetings and
doubtless gave some kind of instructions to the delegates that attended
the next national meeting. 274
In the meantime some person or persons, possibly those who lived in
New York City, tried to form a council. It seems that the personnel of
this council was not entirely of New York State and as the resolve of
1879 had called for this grouping nothing could be accomplished
until this defect was overcome. Further it seems to have been recog-
nized that to carry out the general idea nothing short of a constitu-
tional amendment was necessary. Accordingly an amendment was
proposed in 1880 which after having been referred to the chapters was
adopted at the 1881 Convention. 276 In anticipation of this adoption,
the 1880 Convention considered several general resolutions which laid
down the general structure and duties of the council. 276 By this time the
members of the council had been selected, though it is evident they had
not functioned. It will be recalled that the original motion contained
the idea of incorporation. Now it so happened that while it was possi-
ble to incorporate under the general state law it was impracticable to do
so "owing to minor provisions in regard to the debts and possessions of
incorporated bodies." 277 This difficulty was referred to the Michigan
Convention of 1882. After some debate this body proposed that in
** Annual, 1879.
M Minutes of the Cornell Chapter, Nov. 7, 1879, shows the adoption of the
resolutions of the 1879 Convention.
m Annual, 1880-1881.
**lbid*> 1880.
*"lbid. f 1882, Quinquennial (1884), p. 25. For a list of persons who are credited
as being members of the Council from 1879 to 1883 see the Quinquennial op. tit.,
p. 9 6 -
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 171
lieu of incorporation a central office be established in New York City
which was to be the headquarters of the Executive Council. The de-
tails incident to this proposition were left in the hands of the New
York Chapter which proceeded, for some reason or other, to let the
matter drag until the early fall of 1883. Even then it is not known
whether this group was responsible for the steps then taken. Be that
as it may an Executive Council seems to have been created, consisting
of John F. Montignani, Albert Cronise, Samuel B. Duryea, Charles
S. Jones, Frank R. Walker, Josiah A. Hyland, THomas Walters and
Frederick M. Crossett. Probably these men never held what might
be termed a formal meeting. In part this may be explained on the
ground that some of them lived outside of the metropolitan area, a
fact that must have made it rather difficult for all of the Executive
Council to meet at one time. Even if they had gathered, little could
have been accomplished as the convention had never clothed it with
any far reaching power, especially in respect to fiscal matters. Con-
scious of these limitations the editor of the Quarterly called the atten-
tion of the chapters to the existing situation and suggested remedial
legislation be passed by the next convention. 278
As a result of this publicity the delegates to the 1883 Convention
were prepared to offer certain changes. At this gathering a number
of resolutions were adopted, on the basis of suggestions, previously
made at Amherst in 1880. In addition to certain provisions relative
to finance, which will be discussed later, these resolves stipulated that
the Executive Council should appoint one of its members as secretary
to whom all communications might be addressed. 279 This convention
also elected as members of that body, Samuel B. Duryea, Josiah A.
Hyland, Thomas Walters and Frederick M. Crossett. These gentle-
men appear to have met sometime after the adjournment of the
convention and to have elected Crossett as their secretary. It was not,
however, until early 1884 that the Executive Council actually began
to function; at least none of our sources reveal any activity before
that date. Then it was that Crossett undertook to write to the chap-
ters relative to expansion, while in the Quarterly, of which he was an
assistant editor, information was given as to the location of Fra-
ternity headquarters, the personnel of the Executive Council and
of its duties. 280 Beyond this, however, our sources lead us to believe
278 Quarterly, 1:5, 36, Quinquennial, op. cit., p. 96, Annual, 1882.
279 Quarterly, 11:32-23, 61-62, Annual, 1883. According to the Quinquennial, op. cit.,
pp. 92-95, there existed an advisory council; but what its duties might have been
or what it did is not known.
880 Quarterly, II, passim, Crossett to Rutgers, early 1884, Minutes of the Cornell
Chapter, April 12, May 3, 1884. The headquarters were located at 842 Broadway.
172
DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
that nothing was done for the balance of the year. Crossett, it is
known, was busy as an editor; a task, which together with his own
personal duties, must have made it impossible for him to have given
any further consideration to Fraternity matters. Further, both he and
the other members may have assisted in preparing for the convention
which was scheduled to meet in December in New York City. An-
other reason for the inactivity of the Executive Council may be found
in the fact that the chapters do not seem to have called upon the
Executive Council for any help or guidance. It was Crossett's opin-
ion, however, that the financial needs of the forthcoming convention
would evoke a call upon the Executive Council. "As yet," Crossett
remarked in April, 1884, the "new regulations have not been called
into operation." One thing, however, the Executive Council did do
and that was to order a new Fraternity cut which was to replace the
old "armour cut." This new cut was to be kept by the Executive
Council for chapter use. To meet the cost of this cut every active
member of the Fraternity was assessed twenty-five cents. 281
Although the Executive Council had been established late in 1883
no recorded meeting took place until October 20, 1885. During the
early part of that year Crossett in behalf of the Executive Council
continued to circularize the chapters relative to expansion. It seems
likely in view of the content of these communications that Crossett
may have met with the other members of the Council to discuss these
matters. And yet there is no evidence at hand of any meeting and it
may be that to all intents and purposes Crossett was the Executive
Council himself. It should be recalled, furthermore, that all the labor
incident to this work was done without any compensation; an aspect
that compelled Crossett to inform the chapters in June, 1885, that he
would be forced to give up his office in the near future. At the Roches-
ter Convention, which was held in October, 1885, while nothing was
said as to a salary, a stipend was voted Crossett for his work on the
Quarterly. The granting of this compensation may have caused Crossett
to reconsider his earlier decision to retire from the Executive Council.
In any event at this convention, Crossett accepted re-election to the
Executive Council, 282
From October 20, 1885 to March 3, 1888 nineteen meetings of the
Executive Council were held, Crossett being present at every one.
Judging from the records of these gatherings the greatest interest seems
to have been shown during 1886 when seven meetings were held. Dur-
381 Quarterly, 11:62, Rochester to Rutgers, Oct. 6, 1884.
** Annual, 1885, Crossett to Rutgers, June 15, 1885.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 173
ing this year over nine hundred letters appear to have been sent out by
Crossett in which matters incident to expansion, the Quarterly and
other fraternity affairs were mentioned. Crossett also directed the
attention of the chapters to the vast amount of work undertaken by
the Executive Council and suggested that some compensation be given
to the secretary of that body. In addition to these affairs, the Executive
Council published the constitution, prepared forms for the charter,
initiation and certificate of membership and visited several of the
chapter and alumni clubs. These facts were all referred to the 1886
Convention in a report rendered by Crossett; this being the first time
that the Executive Council presented anything in the nature of a for-
mal statement of its activities. Further, it was suggested in this report
that the delegates consider providing means for annual visitations by
someone of the Executive Council to the chapters. 283
At this convention the delegates after some debate granted Crossett
a salary of five hundred dollars. Further, it assigned a number of duties
to the Council such as preparing a new form for initiation. Between
this session and the next general gathering the work of the Council
almost doubled. Considerable attention was paid to petitioning so-
cieties. At the same time twelve chapters were visited by someone of
the Council, while the body as a whole completed and distributed a
new initiation form and charter. Assistance was also given to the Co-
lumbia Chapter and to the New York Delta Upsilon Club. In recogni-
tion of the services rendered by Crossett the convention increased his
salary to eight hundred dollars. This body likewise elected new mem-
bers to Executive Council as called for by the passage of the amend-
ment increasing the size of the body from five to seven. 284
The following year the personnel of the Executive Council under-
went a radical change. In part this was due to the provisions of the
above mentioned amendment. It was also explained by a serious mis-
understanding that had arisen between the Executive Council and the
Convention. The action of Crossett and his colleagues in respect to the
establishment of the De Pauw and Pennsylvania Chapters had, as has
already been shown, aroused considerable ill will. Further, there were
some who believed that the Executive Council was relatively a new
office within the Fraternity and in its endeavors to create a well cen-
tralized government ran up against some who were of the opinion that
the Executive Council was taking too much power from the chapters.
283 Annual, 1886, Crossett to Rutgers, April 8, Oct. 23, 1886. The first known use
of a letter head by the Executive Council was in November, 1885.
** Annual, 1887.
174 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
The significance of this last idea is realized when one recalls that prior
to the inception of the Executive Council the chapters had been ex-
ceedingly active in handling national affairs. In other words it was
altogether too dose to the old order for the Executive Council to
exercise its powers in the way it did. As a result of these factors none
of the Executive Council chosen at Rutgers in 1887 were retained
by the Adelbert Convention of 1888, although the terms of Crossett
and Murphy did not expire until 1889,
Even after the Adelbert meeting there existed considerable ill will
towards the old Executive Council. Much of this may be explained on
the ground that Crossett and his colleagues had not rendered as clear
a statement of their activities as they might have upon retiring from
office. An attempt seems to have been made by the Executive Council
of 1888 to come to an understanding with the former members. Several
informal discussions took place between the two groups but nothing
definite seems to have been accomplished. In order to clarify matters,
as well as in the interest of self-protection, the Executive Council issued
a circular letter to all of the chapters. In this communication, which
was dated January 7, 1889, reference was made to the former Execu-
tive Council in a manner that was deeply resented by that body, par-
ticularly as there was an implication of dishonesty in respect to finan-
cial affairs and of undue carelessness in the direction of general affairs.
Touched to the quick by this letter, Crossett hastened to communicate
with the chapters asking them to suspend judgment until both sides
of the matter had been presented. Shortly thereafter, Hughes, Crossett,
Eidlitz, Schell and Warburton, all of the old Executive Council, issued
a lengthy reply in which the various charges that had been made were
flatly denied. Further, these men asked the new Executive Council to
correct the impression that had been made by presenting a true state-
ment of the case. 285
Both sides of the affair were presented to the delegates at the Syra-
cuse Convention of 1889. After much debate a select committee was
appointed to investigate the situation. This committee reported that
it found no ground upon which any charge of dishonesty might rest.
It expressed the opinion, however, that had a more thorough conduct
been pursued by the old Executive Council the entire misunderstand-
ing might have been avoided. Viewing the evidence from the point of
view of today one is led to conclude that a critical situation had been
handled in a most careful and successful manner. It is also clear that
888 Minutes of the Executive Council, 1888-1889, Annual, 1888, Crossett to Rutgers,
early 1889, no other date given.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 175
the great majority of the delegates were more than anxious to prevent
what might have become a serious internal squabble. 286 Outside of this
event the Executive Council experienced no further trouble of any
significance and gradually came to dominate the general conduct of
Fraternity matters. The personnel of the Executive Council from 1888
to the close of the century included John Q. Mitchell, William R.
Broughton, Walter E. Merritt, William E. Young, Jr., Walter C. Reddy,
Ezra S. Tipple, John Dickennan, Ellis J. Thomas, L. Whitney Searle,
R. F. Adams, Richard R. Martin, B. C. Hinman, Thornton B. Pen-
field, Robert J. Eidlitz, R. Collins, J. E. G. Yalden, Wilson L. Fairbanks,
Eugene D. Bagen, Ellis R. Woodruff, Leslie E. Lamed, John A. Wil-
son, George F. Andrews, Samuel S. Hall, Edgar S. Bloom, Thomas R.
Weymouth, Royal S. Haynes, W. J. Holmes, George Parker, Ebenezer
W. Cutler, Robert J. Reiley, Clarence E. Case, R. J. Le Boeuf, William
W. Stewart, J. P. Mallett, J. L. Burley, Louis Oppenheim, Robert S.
Smith, F. L. Bill, E. H. Custard, John C. Hinckley, W. A. Hudson,
Henry T. McEwen, L. J. CaldweU, N. Osborne, H. C. Wyckoff, R. G.
Perry, C. T. Brown, Burnett Smith, A. H. Shearer, James Turner,
J. U. White, T. P. Elmore and E. K. Rand. Of these Tipple, Thomas,
Penfield, Eidlitz, Bagen, Hall, Bloom and Wilson seem to have been
the most active.
Among the many problems which these men were called upon to
solve, one of the most important was that relative to fraternity finance.
During the life of the Anti-Secret Confederation this aspect of the Fra-
ternity had been relatively simple. The constitution of that body pro-
vided that the Secretary of the Confederation was to handle the finances
of the fraternity. Nothing was said, however, as to items of income or
expense. The records of the chapters and of the conventions add very
little additional information. On the basis of the existing sources it is
reasonable to assume that the Secretary collected all necessary funds
either at the conventions or from the chapters themselves. For ex-
ample, at the 1857 meeting a tax of six dollars was levied upon the
delegates for the purchase of a book to keep the record of convention
proceedings. 287 On the other hand, the publication of the various song-
books, annuals, constitutions and catalogues, though directed by vote
of the convention, seems to have been handled by the chapters and
not by the Secretary. In the case of the Catalogue of 1859, by way of
illustration, Amherst undertook to publish the same and bill the chap-
ters for the number that each society had ordered. These debts were
** Annual, 1889.
387 Record of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, May 14, 1857.
176 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
paid either by the delegate at the convention or by mail to the chapter
that had assumed the task of publication. 288 Actual convention ex-
penses never appear to have been large. And while there are no figures
upon which an estimate may be made, the absence of any elaborate
affair, either from a social or business point of view, would tend to
establish the fact that convention expenses amounted to very little.
The cost of sending delegates to these meetings was borne by the
chapters and not by the Fraternity at large, as may be seen by an ex-
amination of the minutes of the chapters themselves. Further evidence
in support of this thesis is to be found in the attitude taken by the
Vermont Chapter. 289
The four years following the Middlebury Convention of 1864 wit-
nessed no change in the financial procedure of the Fraternity. Dele-
gates continued to be paid by their chapters for expenses to conven-
tion, while the cost of publications seem to have been met by levies
placed upon the chapters by the society who had undertaken the print-
ing and distribution of any particular work, such as the Triennial. In
the case of Our Record^ the ancestor of the present Quarterly, the
financaial responsibility largely rested upon the publishers although
the chapters had agreed to subscribe for as many copies as they had
members. And as far as convention expenses were concerned it is evi-
dent that the chapter that entertained assumed the entire cost. Rutgers,
for example, acted as host in 1868 and from the report of the chapter
treasurer it appears that the convention cost that chapter $86.75. 290
In 1869, however, a national treasurer made his appearance, at least
Isaac F. Ludlam is credited in the Quinquennial as holding the post in
that year. 291 Exactly what his duties were is not known as the con-
stitution at that time contained no reference to such an officer and the
records of the convention are completely silent on this point. In the
light of subsequent activities, it would appear that this office was more
in the nature of a convention treasurer than a national treasurer. How
the expenses of the Convention of 1869 were met is not known, though
it may be that the policy adopted a year later was then in force; of this,
however, there is no evidence.
At the 1870 Convention a committee on charters rendered an esti-
mate of fraternity expenses for the ensuing year. According to their
^Amherst to Rutgers, June 14, August 2, 1859.
389 See above p. 101.
280 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1861, Quinquennial, (1884),
Hamilton to Rutgers, May 26, June 9, 1864, Sept. 23, 1867, Report of the Rutgers
Treasurer, June 3, 1868.
381 Quinquennial, op. dt., p. 88.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 177
figures, the expense of the convention o that year would amount to
three hundred dollars. Fifty more was needed to meet the cost of
founding new chapters, while twice this sum would have to be ex-
pended for the engraving of new charters. To meet these items the
Convention voted a per capita tax of i.25. 292 This is the first known
instance of a general levy upon all of the chapters of the per capita type.
Per capita or chapter taxes seemed to have been assessed by the con-
vention to meet current costs for the next ten years. The items met by
these levies seem to have included the expenses of the Treasurer and
Secretary, the founding of new chapters, the expenses of the Con-
vention Orator, Poet and Vice-President, and the cost of the convention
itself. We have no accurate figures for these various items for the
period from 1870 to 1880 inclusive. There is available, however, the
record submitted at the New York Convention of 1874. According to
this source the Secretary's office incurred costs of thirty-three dollars,
the Orator, Poet and Vice-President received sixty-four, sixty-two and
sixty-three dollars respectively; the establishment of Syracuse cost
eighteen dollars; fourteen dollars and twenty cents was paid out for
Annuals, nine dollars for telegraph, while the expense of the conven-
tion itself amounted to one hundred and six dollars. 293 This last item
included several features of which the banquet was doubtless the most
expensive. It is evident, therefore, that the cost of transportation in so far
as the delegates were concerned was met by the individual chapters.
Definite proof of this fact is established by the records of the Rutgers
Chapter which discloses that in 1872 the cost of sending a delegate
amounted to $54.50; in 1870, 41.80, and in 1873, $45.oo. 294 Each
chapter moreover paid to the Fraternity Treasurer its per capita or
chapter tax.
Prior to 1881 this Treasurer was probably more of a convention
officer, as he seems to appear only at these meetings and is not listed
in the constitution. At Brown, however, in 1881 the organic law was
amended so as to provide for this office. The Treasurer was to handle
fraternity finance and render each year a report to the convention. In
1882, the constitution was altered so as to provide for the levying by
this officer of a per capita tax upon each active member in the three
upper classes. The amount of this tax was to be fixed by the Treasurer
^Annual, 1870.
^Ibid., 1871-1880, W. Upton to Rutgers, Mar. 6, 1875, E. D. Bagen to Rutgers,
Jan. 17, 1879, G. W. Clark, April 19, 1879. An attempt was made in 1877 to reduce
the convention costs by having cheaper invitations, and asking all non-delegates
to pay a banquet charge. A motion to this effect was laid on the table.
m Minutes of the Rutgers Chapter.
178 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
after advising with a committee from the chapter that was to entertain
the convention for the year in which the tax was to be levied. The
next year, 1883, the Convention adopted a number of resolutions
which profoundly affected the financial structure of the Fraternity.
This change, as has been noted, was brought about as a result of the
appearance of the Executive Council. According to these resolves all
applications for money for fraternity purposes were to be addressed to
the Secretary of the Council at least two weeks before the time the
money was needed. All applications so submitted had to be approved
of by the Executive Council, though that body could not pass upon
a request which had not first been voted upon by the convention.
If disapproved by the Executive Council, the application was returned
with reasons for disapproval being given; if approved, however, the
Executive Council was to inform the Fraternity Treasurer, who was to
assess each chapter a per capita tax to cover the amount. Each chapter
was to return this sum within the time limit set by the Treasurer. In
the event that a majority of the chapters objected to the levy or thought
the amount excessive, the Treasurer was to inform the Executive Coun-
cil which in turn was to hand back the request to the applicant for
this money. No objection was to be received unless it was in the hands
of the Treasurer at least one week before the appointed date. If a
majority of the chapters did not make any objection, then the Treas-
urer was to collect from all the chapters even though some had entered
a protest. All assessments levied since the preceding convention were
to be reported to the national assembly. Here it was to be audited and
if found satisfactory was to be published in the Annual It should be
noted in passing that the above regulations held for applications that
had been voted by a convention without a definite statement as to the
amount. A procedure of this type was often necessary as the entire cost
of an undertaking, such as the installation of a chapter, could not be
known at the time the convention had acted favorably upon a peti-
tioning society. In those cases, however, where the convention knew
of the amount needed and had voted the same, the Treasurer was to
levy a per capita tax against which no objection could be voiced by
any chapter. Any increase in the amount, however, had to be referred
to the Executive Council as provided above. 205
An interpretation of these resolutions leads to the conclusion that
the actual assessment and collection of all taxes, to meet expenses
recognized by the Convention, was a duty of the Treasurer. The only
share that the Executive Council played was to approve of expense
** Quarterly: 11:22-23.
ROSSITER JOHNSON
ROCHESTER '63
EDITOR AND AUTHOR
JOHN MACY
HARVARD '99
EDITOR AND AUTHOR
STEPHEN CRANE
LAFAYETTE AND SYRACUSE '94
AUTHOR AND JOURNALIST
JOYCE KILMER
RUTGERS AND COLUMBIA 'OS
POET AND JOURNALIST
rmlt'n tmd &. T ixh'i i't>fi((
RUPERT HUGHES
WESTERN RESERVE 92
HISTORIAN AND NOVELIST
JOHN ERSKINE
COLUMBIA 'OO
AUTHOR, POET, MUSICIAN
Viulfn'tKtd ^ Ftt<h u'tmd
FRANK H SIMONDS
HARVARD 'OO
JOURNALIST, AUTHOR, HISTORIAN
Tie it Co
HEYWOOD BROUN
HARVARD MO
CRITIC AND COLUMNIST
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 179
items submitted by agents empowered by the Convention to under-
take a specified task. The evident purpose behind this provision was
to prevent an order being drawn in excess of the purpose intended.
This duty might have been assigned to the Treasurer but in view
of the fact that this officer was an undergraduate and was not in a
position, as the Executive Council was, to know definitely the likely
cost of an undertaking, the control over such items was lodged in the
Executive Council. Where the Convention, however, had voted a defi-
nite sum for a definite purpose, the Treasurer might act regardless of
the Executive Council, unless for some unforeseen reason it had been
found necessary to raise a larger sum than that voted by the delegates.
From 1883 to 1890 inclusive the office of Treasurer was held by an
undergraduate elected annually by the Convention. During the year
1887-1888 the duties of this office were taken over by the Executive
Council as the result of a vacancy caused by the resignation of Fred V.
Fisher. Rutgers, it appears, questioned the propriety of the Executive
Council's act, but was told by Crossett that the constitution gave to
that body power to handle financial affairs. He did not, however, men-
tion that the constitution stated that the chapter to which the office
belonged had the power to fill vacancies. In spite of this encroachment
on the part of the Executive Council, the error may be pardoned. A
deficit, it appears, had arisen at the 1887 Convention and to meet the
situation the Executive Council believed that steps should be taken
at once. For this very practical reason the Executive Council dele-
gated the treasurer's office to its secretary, Crossett. Crossett, however,
seems to have sensed the inherent difficulty of his position when he
suggested to Rutgers that the Fraternity Treasurer should be a member
of the Council. 296 It is not to be expected, moreover, that an under-
graduate would have as broad a grasp of fraternity matters as a mem-
ber of the Council. Maybe this assumption explains why the Executive
Council steadily during the years under discussion took over many
of the duties of the Treasurer. The presence of a financial statement
from the Executive Council to the Convention illustrates quite well
the growing power of the former body. Further evidence may be cited
in the decreasing number of letters from the Treasurer to the chapters
relative to taxes and levies. Finally, an examination of the treasurer's
report itself shows, that that officer in time had little to do beyond the
handling of the convention expenses.
The various taxes that were levied upon the chapters, either by the
298 Annual, 1887, Executive Council to Rutgers, Feb. 7, 1888, Crossett to Rutgers,
Feb. $2> Mar. 7, 1888.
i8o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Treasurer or Executive Council down to the Convention of 1891 ac-
counted for an ever increasing revenue. Foremost among these taxes
was the per capita levy to meet the expenses of convention. Included
within these costs were the expenses of the Orator, Poet and Vice-
President, the banquet, the printing of invitations and menus, the
hotel accommodations for the delegates, the renting of some hall for
public exercises and at times music and other sundry items. This tax
ran from two to three dollars and was levied upon the undergraduates
and evidently was not used to pay the transportation of the delegates,
this expense being borne by the chapters themselves. Then there seems
to have been a Quinquennial tax which was levied upon the chapters in
proportion to their members to meet part of the expense of this
publication. This levy seems to have been set at 13.25. A form of ini-
tiation levy was assessed amounting to $1.70 per member, to meet the
cost of supplying these blanks to every initiate. Beginning with 1887
an initiation fee of three dollars was laid on everyone inducted into
active membership. Each society, moreover, upon installation paid a
sum for a charter which probably amounted to fifteen dollars. There
was also an assessment, at least since 1886, to cover the cost of the
Annual, which tax amounted to about thirty-five cents per member,
depending upon the size of that publication. The actual cost of install-
ing a new chapter was also pro rated among the undergraduates. How
much this levy equalled can not be stated on the basis of the available
evidence. Finally there were a number of smaller items which seem to
have been assessed at various times. Exclusive of the initiation fee,
each member of a chapter probably paid into the Fraternity treasury
somewhere around seven to eight dollars a year. Additional income
was received from the sale of Annuals, certificates of membership, and
tickets to the convention banquet.
One other tax was levied upon the undergraduates and that was
designed to meet the salary of the Secretary of the Council. At the 1886
Convention this salary was fixed at five hundred dollars which entailed
a per capita tax of $1.35. The following year the stipend was increased
to eight hundred dollars. How much more was added to the per
capita tax is not known, though whatever it was seems to have been
included in the general assessment of that year which was levied to
meet convention expenses. In 1889 the salary was reduced to two hun-
dred dollars, the amount being raised through the general assessment
of that year. 297 This general assessment seems usually to have been
paid by one of the delegates at the general convention; all other levies
07 Annual, 1883-1891.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 181
being collected during the course of the fraternity fiscal year which
ran from one convention to another.
The absence of any record books of either the Executive Council or
the Treasurer from 1883 to 1890 has caused the above narrative to be
somewhat general in nature. Our task was not made easier by the
appearance of two reports to the convention by the Treasurer and the
Executive Council. On the basis of these reports the following charts
indicate the amounts received and expended: 298
TREASURER'S REPORT
Bills Sills Profit
Income Expenses Payable Receivable -Loss
1887 1,116.50 1,113.72 27692 274.14
1888 All items covered in report of the Council
1889 991.00 991.00
1890 1,094.67 1,094.67 15,70 123.00 107.30
1891 887.50 887.50 9.75 9.75
FINANCIAL ACCOUNT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Bills Bills Profit
Income Expenses Payable Receivable -Loss
1887 914-15 914-15 241-65 245-65 4-00
1888 1,532.51 1,532-51 28243 567.23 284.80
1889 1,214.53 887.51 243.23 570.15
1890 1475-53 M75-53 49-o 728-85 238.85
1891 2,158.59 2,119.78 615.00 989.21 374-21
On the basis of these figures it can readily be seen that the financial
structure of the Fraternity was steadily growing. A growth, moreover,
which argued most effectively for a thorough revision of the constitu-
tion which, as has been shown, was carried through by the Conventions
of 1890 and 1891.
The constitution of 1891 provided for a financial arrangement which
did credit to its makers. According to this document the office of Fra-
ternity Treasurer was eliminated. In lieu thereof a Convention Treas-
urer, elected annually by the assembled delegates, was created to take
charge of convention finances. A subsidy not greater than one thousand
dollars was to be allotted for the expenses of this meeting. This sum
was to be paid by the Executive Council to the Convention Treasurer
who in turn was to render a report to the Executive Council of all re-
ceipts and expenditures. This report, moreover, had to be inspected
by the Auditor who was to receive the statement from the Convention
Treasurer not later than two weeks before the convention. The Con-
vention Treasurer had no power to levy and collect any tax as had
398 Ibid.; a detailed examination of these reports will reveal some minor differences
which do not appear in the above figures.
i8s DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
been the case, although there was nothing in the constitution to pre-
vent his receiving gifts. Further, as will be pointed out later, the actual
income of this officer was increased by the sale of banquet tickets.
Within this income the Convention Treasurer was to meet the ex-
penses of the meeting which included among other things the necessary
costs of the officers of the Fraternity and of the delegates, railroad fares
excepted, during the sessions of the convention.
The larger share, however, of fraternity finance was lodged in the
hands of the Executive Council. The actual handling of all receipts
and expenditures was delegated by this body to its Secretary who was
also the Executive Council's treasurer. In return for his work he was
to receive an annual salary of two hundred dollars. All fraternity ex-
penses were to be met by an annual per capita tax levied upon the
undergraduates. For purposes of assessment active membership was to
terminate upon the withdrawal of the student from the chapter or
from his graduation from the department of which he was a member
when initiated. In the event that an individual continued his work in
another college he might if he so desired elect to be classed as an active
member. All taxes paid within sixty days from the time of assessment
were subject to a rebate of ten percent. A new chapter was excused
from its first general tax provided that an amount equal to such tax
be expended in internal improvements in ways approved by the Ad-
visory Board of the Chapter. It should also be observed that the editor
of the fraternity magazine was to receive a salary of three hundred dol-
lars and profits up to four hundred and fifty dollars. Anything in excess
of this amount was to be divided between the editor and the fraternity.
Finally, it should be noted that the Executive Council's power over
financial affairs was always subject to the terms of the constitution and
all resolutions passed by general convention. 299
According to the terms of these provisions the Fraternity paid out
each year in salaries five hundred dollars. The financial stringency of
1891 and 1893 forced the Executive Council to cut the editor's stipend
fifty percent. In 1897, however, the Convention voted to increase the
amount for salaries to six hundred dollars, of which the editor received
the larger share. Four years earlier the By-Laws of the Fraternity had
been amended so as to provide for the payment of all subscriptions of
the Quarterly direct to the Executive Council and out of the general
treasury funds were allotted to meet the expenses of this magazine.
In order to meet these expenses as well as those arising from the
publication of the Annual^ the cost of holding conventions, maintaining
** Annual, 1890, 1891.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 183
an office, installing new chapters and a number of smaller items, the
Executive Council levied an annual per capita tax. In 1891 this tax
was placed at four dollars. Later it was increased, though at no time
did it get above five dollars and a half. This advance was not brought
about by any considerable increase in operating costs. Salaries, to be
sure, had risen; but as long as the Fraternity wished to maintain a
national basis in more than name, sums of this type would have to be
paid to men who were willing to give of their time and attention to
Delta Upsilon. The amount of labor expended by the Secretary of the
Council and by the editor of the fraternity magazine far exceeded any
financial return that they received. In 1896, for example, Fairbanks
was paid a hundred and fifty dollars for his services as editor, services
of a man who did much for the welfare of the Fraternity. His retire-
ment from the Quarterly in late 1896 evoked the following statement
from the Executive Council: ". . . it loses the services of a man a
thorough D. U, in spirit who was willing to undertake the work from
a pure love for the Fraternity. The task required a great sacrifice on
his part. The magazine came into his hands crippled by business
complications. The panic of '93 made it impossible for us to pay him any
of his salary/' At the same time let it be added that few realized the
conditions under which he labored for the Fraternity. Except for one
day a week, his assignments on the New York Times allowed him no
opportunity to do anything for the Fraternity until two-thirty in the
morning. 300 Nor can anyone examining the records of the Fraternity
question the propriety of the pittance allotted Hall as Secretary of the
Council. In addition both of these men, as well as Thomas, Penfield
and others, gave many waking hours for the advancement of Delta
Upsilon without receiving a single penny in return.
The increase in per capita taxes was not, therefore, due to any ex-
travagance on the part of the Executive Council. Indeed that body
openly declared that the expenses of Delta Upsilon were less in pro-
portion than any of the fraternities of corresponding rank. What
caused the entire trouble was simply the failure of the chapters to meet
their obligations when they fell due. In 1892, $478.10 was due the Fra-
ternity from several of the chapters. The following year this had risen
to $1,176.53, while in 1894 outstanding debts equalled $1,456.53. The
next three years witnessed a steady increase and in 1898 the amount
stood at $2,174.15. Here, then, is the explanation for the rise in fra-
ternity assessments. Repeated failure on the part of some of the chapters
to meet these taxes was creating a serious financial condition. Even as
800 Annual, 1896.
i&4 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
late as 1899, there were five chapters that owed sums that went back
prior to 1892. Conscious of the need for imperative action, the Executive
Council brought the matter before the Convention in no uncertain
terms, "Is it just," so the Executive Council reported, "that nine-tenths
of the Chapters should pay an increased tax year after year to make up
the deficit caused by a few Chapters not meeting their obligations to
the Fraternity? Is it right that a Chapter that has paid of its last year's
tax only the amount due from three of its members, and of which the
Chapter Treasurer, after hard and faithful work, says to the Council
they can pay but they won't, is it right, we submit, for that Chapter to
continue indefinitely in the enjoyment of those privileges which belong
to a Chapter in good standing? We may also add that the delegate from
that Chapter comes before the Convention with the statement that the
Chapter is in good financial condition and that they are planning to go
into a new Chapter House soon." 301
This case is cited not because it was the only one but because it illus-
trates the problem that confronted the Fraternity. By way of remedy,
the Executive Council suggested that those chapters far in arrears
might well be denied representation at Convention, and if not present
at the national assembly might well be relieved of its charter. "It is not
the dead Chapter, but the weak," that the Executive Council feared. 302
No reprisals, however, were enacted, as the chapters concerned took
the matter to heart and very materially reduced their indebtedness.
As it was the Executive Council reported in October, 1900, that
$1,48248 was still outstanding. 303 The following table shows the finan-
cial record of the Fraternity for the years listed. 304
Cash
Bills Bills on
Income Expenses Receivable Payable Hand
1892 2,594-86 2,582.05 480.66 702.00 12.81
1893 2,162.09 i,99 8 -99 M76.53 217.80 163.10
1894 2,24048 2,05529 145653 201.00 185.29
1895 3460-02 3423.79 1,578-65 ...... 268.23
1896 2,61944 2,953.62 1,822.18 ...... 665.82
1897 3.118-38 2,812.52 2,81252 ..... 305.86
1898 3.145-77 3*128.12 2,174.15 ..... 17.65
18 99 47n-i5 4449.68 1,719.08 ...... 26147
^Annual, 1899.
"Idem.
**lbid., 1900.
304 Annual, 1892-1899, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1892-1899. In 1892 the
bills payable would have been larger but for the fact that the costs of the Annual
for 1892 and 1893 as well as for the Convention of 1894 were not then available.
In 1895, no estimate was at hand as to the cost of the Convention for that year.
EARLY ACTIVITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL 185
The increase in both income and expenses beginning with 1895 is ex-
plained by the fact that the handling of the Quarterly was transferred
at that time from the editor to the Executive Council. Most of the
yearly income was gained by levies upon the chapters, while most of
the expenses arose from salaries and convention costs.
Contrasting the above figures with those given on a previous page
one is able to draw several interesting conclusions. In the first place it
is evident that the chapters did not take their responsibilities as seri-
ously as they might have and that the Executive Council religiously
tried to live within the income actually received. The fact that a favor-
able balance was always recorded, and that in spite of the failure of
some of the chapters to do their part, speaks volumes for the wisdom
and loyalty of the men who guided the financial life of Delta Upsilon.
More significant than this is the increase in revenue itself. Translated,
this increase demonstrated quite clearly that Delta Upsilon had grown
in size and stature during the years since 1887; years, moreover, that
witnessed the development of the Executive Council. Finally, it may
be observed that without the loyalty and service of those men who so
faithfully performed their duties as members of the Executive Council,
Delta Upsilon would have continued as a loosely organized fraternity.
Significant as was the work of the undergraduates the fact remains that
without the Executive Council the Fraternity would not have become
the institution as it stands today.
Chapter IX
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH IN THE
TWENTIETH CENTURY
THE CONSTITUTION OF 1 905 INCORPORATION OF THE EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL, MAY 26, 1905 THE COMMITTEE OF FORTY-EIGHT
INCORPORATION OF DELTA UPSILON FRATERNITY, DECEMBER 1O,
1909 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES CHANGES IN THE
STATUS OF THE CONVENTION THE CONSTITUTION OF 1909 AND
1 THE ENFRANCHISEMENT OF ITS ALUMNI
THE Fraternity Constitution and By-Laws of 1891 served as the
organic law of Delta Upsilon until 1905. During these years a num-
ber of amendments were adopted of which those passed in the nine-
teenth century have already been discussed. 305 In 1901 the third section
of Article I was modified so as to provide for an Acting President, in-
stead of a President of the Fraternity, and an Honorary President.
Nothing was said as to the tenure of this latter office, the implication
being that it might be held by the same person for an indefinite period.
This fact was observed in 1902 and an attempt was made at the Con-
vention of that year to limit tenure to two years. At first a motion to
that effect was carried but upon reconsideration was defeated by a vote
of thirty-five to seven. Our sources fail to explain this shift in sentiment,
though it may be conjectured that as the office was merely one of dis-
tinction no great harm could come to the Fraternity by this arrange-
ment. 306
None of the amendments that had been passed since 1891 profoundly
affected the basic law of the Fraternity and can not, therefore, be ad-
vanced as factors explaining the important constitutional revision of
1905. This revision, however, may be explained by an examination of
the findings of a Committee on Internal Improvement that had been
appointed in 1903. The actual work of this body and the resulting
action of the delegates is reviewed in a later chapter. Suffice it here to
say that this Committee, together with another that had been formed
805 See above pp. 81-82.
308 Annual, 1901-1902.
186
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 187
to consider Western Representation on the Executive Council, pro-
posed certain far reaching changes in the organic law. Most of these
changes were adopted by the delegates at the 1905 Convention, the net
result of which was the appearance of what might be termed a new
constitution for Delta Upsilon.
A comparison of the 1891 and 1905 Constitutions reveals relatively
few changes of any significance. In the main most of the various sec-
tions of the former document were repeated word for word. Here and
there some minor detail was altered, as for example the change in the
fiscal year from October 10 to October i and the fact that the Executive
Council was required to notify all organizations of a convention two
weeks in advance instead of three as had been the case before. Again,
there were several instances where clauses present in the earlier law
were omitted. The Constitution of 1891, for example, had required the
reading of at least three papers on matters of general Fraternity inter-
est. This feature was left out of the law of 1905. The Librarian there-
tofore was supposed to maintain a library at the Executive Council
offices, a provision that does not appear in the document of 1905.
Stenographic reports of convention activities were required by the
former law but not by the latter. Finally, it may be noticed that An-
nuals, which theretofore had been sent by the Executive Council to all
organizations, were no longer to be supplied, though the practice of
furnishing the chapters with this publication was continued.
Other minor changes and omissions might be mentioned but as these
are so insignificant in nature no mention will be made in this volume.
On the other hand there were several modifications that do call for
special attention. In the first place the composition of the Executive
Council was altered in response to the demand that the Western mem-
bers of the Fraternity should have a place on that board. Under the
former constitution the Executive Council consisted of nine members,
two of whom were to be undergraduates, chosen from the Fraternity at
large. In the future, however, membership was to be limited to six
alumni, no two of whom were to be from the same chapter and at least
two of whom were to reside west of Buffalo. The headquarters
and powers of the Executive Council remained untouched except
as to one or two matters. The Executive Council was empowered to
establish alumni associations as well as clubs and to direct the publica-
tion of the Quarterly whose editors were to act as a sub-committee of
the Executive Council. 307 Further, the Council's delegates to conven-
tion were accorded the same rights and privileges as the representatives
807 See below pp. 309-321 for a discussion of the Quarterly.
88 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
>f the chapters and like them entitled to compensation for railroad
i xpenses. Finally, provision was made for the President of the Execu-
ive Council to call meetings of that body, the allocation of three hun-
ired dollars per year to meet the expenses of its members to and from
neetings, and for the obtaining by mail of the opinion of absent mem-
>ers to any matter before the Executive Council. In the second place
he 1905 Constitution provided for the creation of alumni associations
n addition to clubs which had been recognized by the earlier law.
Both units were to be entitled to two convention delegates provided
hat a meeting had been held within one year thereto and "providing
t shall have contributed to the Treasury of the Fraternity in that year
lot less than $5." Although alumni delegates were granted the right to
ipeak at convention and vote on all matters except where a call of the
iapters was demanded, they were no longer counted towards the de-
ermination of what constituted a quorum. A quorum, according to
Jie new law, consisted of a majority of the delegates from the chapters.
[n the third place, several new features were added to the powers of
lie convention. The convention still elected Fraternity officers, which
-emained the same as before except that in lieu of an Acting President
here was to be a President. The necessary expenses of all officers as
.veil as of delegates to convention were to be borne by the Fraternity,
i feature that had not existed in the former constitution. At these
neetings full reports were to be presented by the Executive Council,
Treasurer, Decennial Secretary, Librarian, Auditor and Quarterly
Editor, and these reports were to be published in the Annual As to the
admission of new chapters a unanimous vote of the "chapters assem-
bled in Convention" was required. This in itself constituted no change.
The provision that a local society should exist for two years prior to
admission was retained, while the convention's ruling in 1893 that
upon a similar unanimous vote the Executive Council might install
diapters at the end of a two years' existence was made an integral part
3f the new constitution. Under the previous document no petition for
admission was to be received after the second day of the convention, a
Feature which does not appear in the 1905 law. Further, in view of the
admission of Canadian chapters the Constitution of 1905 provided that
chapters might be located in educational institutions anywhere, at the
discretion of the Fraternity. Chapters, moreover, were not to delegate
their representation at Convention to alumni, a provision that was
aew in so far as the law was concerned but not as to past practice. 308
[t also should be noted that the Convention Treasurer was to make a
** See above p. 82 for an instance of alumni acting as chapter delegates.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 189
report to the Council, a feature that brought the constitution into line
with what had been the rule. The Fraternity Treasurer was to pay all
accounts by check direct to the creditor, receiving vouchers specifying
the purpose for which the expense had been incurred. A uniform sys-
tem of accounting was to be followed by this officer. Finally, the 1905
law provided that each chapter should hold appropriate exercises on
or about November 4 of each year, which day was to be known as
Alumni Day.
From the above resume, it may be seen that while the central or-
ganization was strengthened, the chapters lost none of their important
powers or duties. The Fraternity still remained a society composed of
chapters, alumni and an Executive Council. Its objects were, as before,
the promotion of friendship, the development of character, the diffu-
sion of liberal culture and the advancement of equity in college affairs.
And, as since the Brown Convention of 1881, Delta Upsilon has been
a non-secret Fraternity. 309
Although the Constitution and By-Laws of 1905 determined the
brganic law of Delta Upsilon, certain changes had taken place within
the central organization. These changes should not be viewed as
amounting to any violation of the constitution; rather should they be
interpreted as an implementation of that document with the object of
creating a stronger and more effective central government. Moreover,
the movement in this direction was thoroughly in keeping with the
historical development of the Fraternity. Small wonder was it, there-
fore, that Wilson L. Fairbanks, whose interest in greater centralization
has already been shown, undertook to present certain views along this
line at the 1903 Convention. The delegates reacted favorably to his
suggestions with the result that the Executive Council was authorized
to appoint a committee to devise means for further internal develop-
ment. Late in January, 1904, the Council appointed this body of
which Fairbanks was made chairman. The detailed activities of the
committee will be discussed later; suffice it here to note that as a result
of their findings and recommendations, the Convention of 1904 author-
ized the incorporation of the Executive Council of Delta Upsilon. On
the basis of incorporation, which was effected May 26, 1905, the
Executive Council drafted a set of rules and regulations of which only
that which pertains to the creation of a Board of Directors need now
be mentioned. The inception of the Board reflected the growing im-
portance of the central government of the Fraternity. Further, as the
burden of work at the headquarters had materially increased of late, it
** A copy of the 1905 Constitution may be found in the Annual for that year.
igo DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
had become necessary to establish a new agency. Even with the help
furnished by the Directors, the Executive Council found, by the sum-
mer of 1906, that it needed additional assistance. This fact together
with the growing demand for a more definite allocation of the duties
of the Executive Council led that body to propose in 1906 a constitu-
tional amendment providing that its size be increased from six to eight
members. Advance information of the amendment had already been
sent to the chapters several weeks before the convention. As a result,
the delegates accepted the proposal and at the same time re-defined the
list and duties of the Executive Council officers. The convention like-
wise amended the By-Laws so as to allow $1200 for convention expenses
in contrast to the former grant of $iooo. 310
During 1907 and 1908 no changes were made in either the Constitu-
tion or By-Laws, though during the latter year several amendments
were presented for the consideration of the 1909 Convention. By this
time, however, the Executive Council had decided to recommend a
far-reaching revision of both the organic law and structure of the Fra-
ternity. Ever since 1904, when the Internal Development Committee
presented its report, the general headquarters of the Fraternity had
assumed an extensive amount of work. Chapter and alumni problems,
National and District Conventions, the Quarterly, Annual and other
publications, and a number of other activities too numerous to men-
tion, had been undertaken by the Executive Council to the great satis-
faction of the Fraternity at large. Speaking of these matters, Fairbanks
said at the Swarthmore Convention of 1909, "One cannot compare the
present status of Delta Upsilon with that of four years ago without
realizing that in the ability to hold and to do, the fraternity has made
a large advance. Of the increased enthusiasm among the alumni, the
greater alertness and virility among the chapters, we have plenty of
evidence. But these gains, after all, only serve to bring us nearer to
some larger problems." 311 Of these problems none seemed more sig-
nificant to Fairbanks than the status of the alumni. Further Fraternity
expansion and growth in the real sense of the word could only come
as a result of increased alumni support. Concretely, what the Executive
Council desired, was a larger income, and this could be obtained only
by a direct appeal to the graduate members of Delta Upsilon. Accord-
ingly, Fairbanks suggested the organization of a corporation, to be
known as the Trustees of Delta Upsilon. So effective was Fairbanks'
report that the convention unanimously voted to have the Chair ap-
*** Annual, 1906, Minutes of the Executive Council, Sept. 21, 1906.
1907-1908.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 191
point a Committee of Forty-Eight to conisder the matter and report at
the next convention. 312
On the basis of this action, Allen K. White, President of the 1908
Convention, proceeded in due time to appoint a committee, of which
William H. Van Steenbergh and Verne M. Bovie were later chosen
Chairman and Secretary respectively. 313 Early in January, 1909, Bovie
mailed a circular letter to each member of the committee reminding
him of the action taken at Swarthmore and inviting him to attend a
meeting at New York some time in February. A little later, Fairbanks
issued a call for the committee to meet at the Graduates Club, New
York, February 5. Anticipating, on the basis of correspondence, that
some of the committee would be unable to attend, substitutes had
been appointed so that the entire body as authorized was repre-
sented. 314 To these men, Fairbanks outlined the purpose of the gather-
ing with the result that the delegates enthusiastically voted to allow the
chair to appoint a sub-committee to draft and submit at an early date
a preliminary plan of organization. Eugene Frayer, John Patterson,
Samuel S. Hall, Waldo G. Morse and Albert Bickmore were placed on
the sub-committee with Van Steenbergh as member ex officio. The first
meeting of the sub-committee took place at Morse's office March 22 at
which Patterson submitted the outline of a plan for a Board of
Trustees. Three other gatherings were held during June, out of which
there developed two distinct plans, one advocated by Frayer, the other
by Morse.
The plans differed in that one provided for a self-perpetuating body
to constitute the corporation proposed, such being the traditional form
of college fraternity organization. The other, availing itself of a then
recently adopted statute of the State of New York, struck out in a novel
way to accomplish a form of government with which we have become
familiar through the enfranchisement of the chapters to elect trustees.
In view of these conflicting ideas it was decided to submit both plans
to the full committee when it met on July i. But fourteen members
were present at this meeting and though some discussion took place
as to the merits of the different schemes the entire proposition was
postponed to a later meeting. Nothing more was done until September
24, when the committee met again at the Graduates Club. Here the
two reports were presented, the minority being sponsored by Frayer,
*** Annual, 1908.
** Annual, 1909.
314 As each delegate had to meet his own expenses, it is likely that those from
distant chapters, and all of these delegates had been nominated by the chapters,
were unable to attend. Miami, which had just been admitted, was given a seat.
igs DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the majority by Morse. After some discussion the committee accepted
the Morse plan with the added precaution that the opinion o Brother
Francis M. Burdick, Professor of the School of Law of Columbia Uni-
versity, be secured as to the form and legality of the proposed cer-
tificate of incorporation, as well as to the procedure set forth for its
adoption. 315
The convention met early in November of the same year. After hav-
ing listened to a spirited discussion in the Committee of the Whole,
the delegates proceeded to vote upon a motion introduced by Patterson
to the effect that the report of the committee be accepted, that the
Fraternity incorporate itself under the laws of New York, that the in-
corporation be carried through with the Charter and Constitution pro-
posed by the Committee of Forty-Eight and that a committee of not
less than fifteen be appointed to execute a Charter. Considerable dis-
cussion seems to have followed over this motion, which in the mean-
time had been seconded; and while our sources fail to reveal what the
nature of this debate was, it is evident on internal examination that
some of the delegates were of the opinion that the new constitution
should be submitted to closer examination and voted upon section by
section. Accordingly after some debate the delegates voted to adopt the
first two provisions of Patterson's motion, following which special con-
sideration was given to the proposed constitution. Each section was
taken up separately and in the main the document as submitted by
the Committee of Forty-Eight was adopted. Following this action the
convention resolved that the form of certificate of incorporation as
submitted by the committee be adopted and that the President appoint
a committee to make and file the same. This special committee imme-
diately undertook its work with the result that by December 10, 1909,
Delta Upsilon was legally incorporated under the laws of the State of
New York. 31 *
According to the certificate of incorporation the Delta Upsilon Fra-
ternity was declared to be a society having no capital stock, that it was
not organized for pecuniary profit and that it was composed of more
than five thousand members. The Constitution, under which this in-
corporation was effected, was that which had been adopted at Boston,
November 4, 1909. Over half of this document was but a reissue of the
old constitution. In view of the fact that the organic law of 1909 served
05 Actually no decision was reached on September 24. At a later meeting, October
15, the committee finally arrived at a decision. See Minutes of the Board of Trustees,
1:1-40, Annual, 1909.
** Annual, 1909, Minutes of the Board of Trustees, I:i-v.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 193
as a model for all later constitutions it seems best at this point to pre-
sent a resume of the new law.
Delta Upsilon, according to this constitution, was a fraternity com-
posed of societies to be known as chapters which might be located in
institutions of learning within the United States and the Dominion of
Canada. The objects of the Fraternity included the promotion of
friendship, the development of character, the diffusion of liberal cul-
ture and the advancement of justice in college affairs. The Fraternity
was also declared to be non-secret in nature. The governing boards of
the society were to consist of a number of general officers, a Board of
Trustees, a Board of Directors, an Executive Council and a general
Fraternity Convention. The officers included a President, two Vice-
Presidents, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Heretofore these offices had
been filled by vote of the convention; they now were to be chosen by
the Trustees for one year or until their successors should have taken
office. 317 Additional officers might be named by the Directors. The
President was to be the chief executive of the Fraternity, preside at all
meetings of the Directors and of the Fraternity and to sign all checks
drawn upon the treasury, in excess of one hundred dollars. The Secre-
tary was to attend all meetings of the Trustees, and Directors, keep
their records, conduct their correspondence and attest all contracts
executed by the President. The Treasurer was to collect and care for all
moneys and securities, to disburse such funds as might be ordered by
the Directors and to furnish that board an approved bond. 318
The Board of Trustees functioned in lieu of an annual meeting of
the members of the incorporated Fraternity. The details relative to
the structure of this body are presented in a later chapter. It may be
observed here, however, that the creation of the Trustees was an im-
portant step in the growth of the Fraternity. In one sense powers that
before had belonged to the chapters in convention were now allotted
in part to the Trustees, who were viewed as representatives of both the
active and alumni members of Delta Upsilon. In other words the r&le
that the chapters had played in times past was in the future to be
shared by a central board. Centralization of power in the hands of the
alumni had been a characteristic feature of the Fraternity's growth
ever since the inception of the Executive Council and this last step
was quite in tune with what had taken place in the past. And yet it
317 The constitution did not state definitely that the Trustees were to enjoy this
power; an examination of the minutes of this Board as well as of the Annual shows
that by practice they elected these officers.
** The Vice-Presidents assumed the duties of the President in the event of the
latter's inability to perform the same.
194 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
should be noted that the Trustees were to be elected by the alumni
and active members of the chapters and in that sense the Trustees
only acted as another arm or agency of the chapters. If the chapters at
any time disapprove of the Trustees' actions they can by their own
power fill that body with men who will carry out their own desires.
Sovereignty still rests with the chapters. One might raise the question
at this point as to the need of the Board of Trustees in view of the
fact that all of its powers had been held by either the Executive Council
or the convention in the past. The answer is to be found first in the
fact that those in control at that time were convinced that the Fra-
ternity, if it were ever to continue as an active and vital force, must
do more than merely recognize the alumni as members; rather must
it assign to them a role that would make them real partners in the
future of Delta Upsilon. In the second place while the convention was
to continue to exist and function as before, the Trustees would take
up "new and broader lines of work" that required "men of experience
in business affairs." 319
From a practical point of view, frequent meetings of the Trustees
were not practical. By way of implementation, therefore, the constitu-
tion provided that the Trustees were to elect from their number a
body of fifteen men to be known as the Board of Directors. 320 This
body might delegate duties to the Executive Council which was to be
chosen annually by vote of the convention. The Executive Council
was to consist of nine members of whom six were to be alumni, no
two of whom were to be from the same chapter and at least two of
whom were to live west of Buffalo; the remaining members were to be
undergraduates. The Executive Council was to operate in New York
City, subject to the provisions of the constitution, acts of the conven-
tion and direction of the Board of Directors. It was allowed to adopt
its own rules for the conduct of business, to approve of the dismissal
of any alumnus of any chapter, to fix the time for the holding of con-
ventions, to fill any vacancies that might arise among its own officers,
to govern through a sub-committee the Quarterly, publish the Annual
and to handle to some extent the financial work of the Fraternity. The
officers of this council were to consist of a President, a Vice-President,
a general Secretary, a general Treasurer and such other officers as the
Executive Council might desire. The Executive Council was to meet
at the call of its President and in order to secure the largest possible
representation a sum of four hundred dollars was allotted for hotel
** Quarterly, XXVm: 3 6-s8.
880 See below pp. 248-250 for a discussion of the structure of the Directors.
HENRY C MERRIAM
COLBY '64
MAJOR-GENERAL U S A'
CYRUS HAMLIN
COLBY '61
MAJOR-GENERAL USA.
7 ndet wad d ? niit't i ( *ttnl
HERBERT M LORD
COLBY '84
BRIGADIER-GENERAL USA
GEORGE W GOETHALS
MANHATTAN '77
MAJOR-GENERAL USA.
J ARTHUR CLARK
TORONTO '06
BRIGADIER-GENERAL
CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
G ERIC MCCUAIG
MCGILL 'oe
BRIGADIER-GENERAL
CANADIAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
I nth'! . tn,tl <f I'ndct
JOHN F O'RYAN
NEW YORK 'Ol
MAJOR-GENERAL USA
Kctfbtonr I i* 1 /" r</
LOUIS W STOTESBURY
RUTGERS -90 AND NEW YORK '92
BRIGADIER-GENERAL N Y N G
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 195
and traveling expenses. 321 The Council, moreover, was allowed two
delegates to the convention. All convention officers and the editor of
the Quarterly were to render reports to the Executive Council at least
fifteen days before the convention. The Executive Council might also
recommend to any chapter the removal of an unsatisfactory Secretary
or Associate Editor of the Quarterly and the election of another person
in his place. 322 In the matter of new chapters, the Executive Council
was to appoint a committee to establish them in accordance with the
constitution and to create an Advisory Board of three alumni to watch
over the affairs of the new chapter. Upon the request of any other
chapter the Executive Council might create a similar body. Members
of these Advisory Boards were to hold office for three years and were
to be subject to the direction of the Executive Council. 323 Finally, it
should be observed that the Executive Council was to render a report
of its activities annually to the delegates at convention.
Last, but by no means least in importance, among the governing
boards was the convention. A convention was defined as the annual
meeting of the delegates of the chapters, alumni clubs and associations,
the Trustees and the Executive Council. The place of meeting was to
be determined by these representatives, though the exact time of meet-
ing was fixed by the Executive Council in conjunction with the enter-
taining chapter; which society was to file with the Executive Council
a plan for the convention at least three weeks prior to the meeting.
All chapter and alumni groups were to receive notice of any convention
three weeks in advance. Special conventions might be called by the
Executive Council upon the written request of nine chapters. 324 Each
chapter was entitled to two delegates and one additional for every
ten members in excess of twenty-five. 326 A chapter in debt for taxes or
by reason of any other obligation, assumed six months prior to con-
vention was to be denied all rights at the annual meeting. 326 Chapters
were not allowed to delegate their representation to alumni. Each
authorized alumni club or association which might have had a meet-
ing and had contributed five dollars to the Treasurer of the Fraternity
821 This allowance was eliminated by amendment in 1913.
822 This section was repealed in 1911.
338 This Board was re-named the Alumni Board in 1917 and the term, of office
placed at one year.
324 In 1913 special comentions could be called upon the written request of one-
third of the chapters and these meetings were to conduct only that business men-
tioned in the call for the convention.
323 In 1917 an amendment provided that each chapter was to have but one
delegate.
828 In 1923 this was altered to read "five" months.
ig6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
within the past year, was to be entitled to two delegates. Every delegate
to the convention was to present a certificate of his election and was
entitled to one vote, but when "a roll call of chapters is demanded,
each body entitled to representation shall cast but one vote." 327 In
other words, upon any question affecting the admission of new chapters
or the rate of taxation on active members, the alumni units, the
Trustees and the Executive Council were not given a vote. Once a
petitioning society had gained unanimous consent of all chapters
present, a three-fourths vote of the Trustees was needed to permit the
installation of the new chapter and the issuing of a charter signed by
the President of the Fraternity. A majority of the delegates from the
chapters constituted a quorum of the convention; thus it was possible
for a petitioning society to gain the approval of the convention with-
out the consent of all of the chapters. This was not a new feature;
rather did it merely continue a practice which had been used for some
time past. 328 No society was to be considered as being a member of the
Fraternity until it had been duly installed. The charter of any chapter
might be withdrawn, however, by vote in convention of three-fourths
of the whole number of chapters present, provided that such action
met with the approval of a three-fourths vote of the Trustees present
at any meeting of the Board. 329
In addition to these various duties the convention might expel any
alumnus of any inactive chapter and listen to the appeal of any active
or alumni member that might have been expelled or suspended by his
chapter. No chapter was to use any pledge button or emblem not
authorized by the convention. The convention, moreover, annually
elected its own officers which were listed as an Honorary President,
a Convention President, three Vice-Presidents, one of whom was to be
an undergraduate, a Secretary, a Treasurer, an Orator, Poet, Historian,
Librarian, Auditor, Decennial Bureau, an Executive Council and the
Quarterly Editors. A majority vote of the chapters was sufficient to
elect any person to these offices. 330 The convention received reports
from its officers as well as from those of the incorporated Fraternity.
Each chapter, moreover, was to forward to the convention a statement
33(7 In 1912 this was changed to read "but when a call of the roll is demanded,
each body entitled to representation shall cast but one vote."
828 See below pp. 209-213.
^In 1921 this section was altered so as to provide that charters might be with-
drawn upon a three-fourths vote of the chapters in convention and a similar vote
of the Trustees at any regular meeting.
380 Alumni groups, the Council and Trustees could not vote on these matters. In
1911 the Decennial Bureau and Fraternity Magazine were abolished as conven-
tion officers.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 197
of its activities for the past year, which report was referred without
reading to a committee. Most of these reports were to be published
in whole or in pan in the AnnuaL Again the convention might alter
the constitution by a two-thirds vote of all the organizations repre-
sented, provided three weeks' notice of proposed amendments had
been given to each society, club or association entitled to representa-
tion. Such amendments also required a two-thirds vote of the Trustees.
The By-Laws might be amended by the concurrent vote of the chapters
in convention and the Trustees present at any regular meeting of that
board. It is to be noted, therefore, that while a two-thirds vote was
required to change the constitution, a mere majority was enough to
alter the by-laws. Further, changes in the constitution necessitated
action by all the organization while in the case of the by-laws only the
chapters and Trustees might vote.
The expenses of the convention were to be met from chapter taxes,
provided the amount did not exceed lisoo. 331 Out of this sum came
the necessary expenses of the Convention officers, namely the Presi-
dents, Vice-Presidents, Secretary, Orator, Poet, Historian and Chaplain,
and of the delegates, railroad fare excepted. 332 The Convention Treas-
urer, who does not seem to have been entitled to any commutation,
handled the finances of the meeting and made a report to the Executive
Council of all receipts and expenditures. 333 Provision also existed in
the constitution for the publication of a Decennial Catalogue and a
Fraternity Magazine, concerning which some comment will appear in
a later chapter. The colors of the Fraternity were old gold and pea-
cock blue; the crest, to be uniform throughout the chapters, while the
badge was a monogram composed of the letters Delta Upsilon bearing
the motto Dikiai Upoteke.
Membership in Delta Upsilon consisted of the active and alumni
members of the chapters and of such honorary members that had been
elected prior to 1891. Active membership was limited to male students
belonging to a chapter of the Fraternity. 334 Election to membership
881 In 1916 this sum was raised to 1500 in view of the greater number of dele-
gates attending the convention.
833 In 1910 the Trustees were denied this compensation. In 1921 the convention
officers were listed as a President (the Honorary President having been eliminated),
three Vice-Presidents (none of whom had to be under-graduates), a Secretary, a
Treasurer, an Orator, Poet, Historian, Chaplain and Auditor (the Librarian being
eliminated). All of these officers, except the Treasurer, as well as the Trustees and
chapter delegates received compensation for expenses to and from convention.
883 In 1921 the Treasurer was required to submit his report to the Auditor.
884 In 1912 it was added that the student had to be an "enrolled** member of
his college.
198 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
rested entirely in the hands of the undergraduates, provided the candi-
date was not of immoral character and did not belong to a college
society, membership in which was inconsistent with the principles of
Delta Upsilon. The unanimous consent of all members was needed for
election. Membership in other organizations, professional and honorary
excepted, existing in more than one institution, was closed to those
of the Fraternity. Each person elected to membership in Delta Upsilon
was to be admitted in accordance with a rite of initiation and was to
receive a certificate of membership signed by the Secretary of the
Executive Council and by the President and Corresponding Secretary
of the chapter. In the event that a member entered another institution
where a chapter existed, that chapter might admit the member to its
society, provided he presented proper credentials from his original
chapter; otherwise his active membership in the Fraternity was lost. 335
Any member in good standing might receive an honorable dismissal
by a three-fourths vote of the active members of his chapter. Ordinarily,
an individual lost his active membership upon withdrawal from his
chapter or upon graduation. For violation, however, of his pledges, an
individual might be suspended or expelled by a three-fourths vote of
the active members present at any regular meeting of a chapter. Resolu-
tions providing for either penalty were to be offered at the regular
meeting preceding. The accused, moreover, was given an opportunity
to defend himself and if not satisfied with the action of his chapter
might appeal his case to the convention.
Any active member in good standing became an alumnus upon his
withdrawal from the chapter or upon graduation. An alumnus, more-
over, might be expelled for any cause upon vote of the chapter and
with the approval of the Executive Council. Except for newly founded
chapters or for those requesting the assistance of the alumni, the
graduate members had very little power in the affairs of the chapter.
The alumni, however, might upon vote of the Trustees organize them-
selves into clubs or associations and enjoy certain rights, already
defined, at the convention. Further, they were accorded a voice in the
government of the corporation by being the group from which the
Trustees were chosen. And this Board, as has been shown, was a body
of no little importance.
The officers of the chapter were to consist of a President, Vice-
President, Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Treasurer,
Alumni Correspondent, Associate Editor of the Fraternity Magazine,
336 In 1921 the language was made dearer so as to make it definite that the second
chapter had the power to admit or not to admit as it wished.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 199
and such other officers as the chapter might desire. These officers were
chosen by a majority vote of the active members at such time and for
such tenure as the local society might provide, except that the terms of
office of the Corresponding Secretary, the Alumni Correspondent and
the Associate Editor were to be at least for one year. The duties of
these officers are too patent to need any comment with the single
exception of the Alumni Correspondent. This officer was to be an
alumnus and was to make an annual communication of the condition
and needs of the chapter to the alumni and to keep a record of the
addresses and occupations of each, while his necessary expenses were
to be met by the chapter. Each chapter was to have exclusive control
over its separate property and funds and might adopt for its govern-
ment such laws as did not conflict with the Fraternity's constitution
or acts o the convention. 336
On the basis of the above rsum of the 1909 Constitution it may
easily be seen that a forward step had been made in the central organ-
ization of Delta Upsilon. The incorporation of the Fraternity, more-
over, had created the new governing boards Directors and Trustees
and to these had been assigned, together with the Executive Council,
far reaching powers. Opportunity for the growth and development of
the Fraternity along sound lines was largely placed in the hands of
experienced alumni. And while the chapters were left much to them-
selves, their share in the determination of general policy had been
somewhat curtailed. The incorporated Fraternity, moreover, was given
full power and authority to collect, hold and disburse funds for the
general purposes of the Fraternity, to receive property by gift, devise,
bequest or otherwise, and to establish sustaining memberships among
the alumni. These grants of power were calculated to allow the
Trustees, Executive Council and Directors to undertake steps for
greater internal development and for the promotion of objects which
justly should not fall upon the undergraduate. The future was to
show how well this plan worked. The Fraternity, however, could at
no time impose any tax, assessment or levy of any kind upon any
chapter or member of the Fraternity. In other words, the Trustees,
acting for the corporation, could at no time and in no way impose
financial burdens upon the chapters. The levying of per capita taxes
for the general support of the convention and Fraternity still rested
in the chapters assembled in convention. 337
838 In 1921 it was stated that the chapter records were the property of the
Fraternity.
837 The matter of fraternity taxation is discussed below pp. 257-269.
200 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
In spite of the great care and thought that the Committee of Forty-
Eight had taken in drafting the Constitution and By-Laws of 1909,
a number of changes took place in the organic law during the course of
the next few years. In most cases these alterations appear to have been
conceived by the Trustees and introduced by them as members of the
Convention, the required notice to all delegations having been given
in advance. All amendments that passed the convention, ultimately
were passed by the Trustees. Some of these changes concerned the
structure and detail functioning of the Boards and Executive Council,
the Quarterly and other publications, or pertained to financial matters,
all of which will be discussed later on in this volume. Further, many
of the amendments were of so detailed a nature that outside of the
comments that have already been made no mention will be made. 338
There were, however, certain alterations that are of sufficient signifi-
cance as to warrant some elaboration. One of these concerned the whole
question of the cost of transporting chapter delegates to and from
the convention, a topic which will be treated later by itself.
More important for our present purpose were the amendments con-
cerning the procedure in cases involving suspension and expulsion. In
the first place, the Executive Council was given power to draft general
rules and regulations governing the same. Again, in 1915, the Consti-
tution was amended so as to allow the convention, as well as the
chapter, to invoke these penalties upon a three-fourths vote of the
delegates present, provided resolutions concerning the same had been
presented to these representatives one week in advance and provided
that the accused had been given an opportunity for defense. Further,
it was stated at the same time that no action of the chapter was to be
valid until approved of by the Council and that in all cases an appeal
either to the Council or the convention was possible. Two years later
the alumni were accorded the right to vote at chapter meetings on any
case of expulsion or suspension regardless as to whether that case
involved an active or an inactive member. In 1919 the sections involv-
ing this subject were altered so as to provide for these penalties by the
three-fourths vote of the members present at a chapter meeting or by a
similar vote in either the Council or Board of Directors, upon charges
that had to be presented ten days in advance with the accused being
given an opportunity for defense. An appeal to the Trustees was
possible but the decision of that body was to be final. Two years later
the By-Laws of the Fraternity were changed so as to provide an
888 In 1912 many of these changes were effected, and a new edition of the Con-
stitution and By-Laws, embodying these alterations appeared in 1913.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 201
elaborate set of rules for the expulsion or suspension of any member.
In the main these rules declared that a three-fourths vote of either the
chapter or Directors at any meeting might invoke these penalties,
provided that the accused had been given a fair hearing and trial.
Within six months thereafter an appeal might be made to the Trustees
whose decision was to be final. Two important exceptions to these rules
existed; first, in any case where the penalty might be suspension for
less than three months or where the fine to be imposed was less than
ten dollars, the chapter might try the accused at any regular meeting
without written charges; second, when any member of the Fraternity
had failed in the performance of any duty to the Fraternity, another
chapter or any member or person, the charges were to be preferred by
the Council, while in a case involving a member of an alumni club,
the charges were to be made by the Graduate Board. Finally, the
Board of Directors was given the power to make any other needed
rules with respect to discipline and procedure which would serve in
the interests of justice, provided these rules did not violate the organic
law of the Fraternity.
Many of the above mentioned changes had been rendered necessary
as a result of important alterations that had taken place since 1912
relative to the status of the alumni. In the first instance, it was ruled
that the Alumni Correspondent might either be an active or alumnus
member of the chapter. More important, was the change in 1917
which resulted in a re-definition of what constituted a chapter. Here-
tofore, a chapter included both active and alumni members, the latter,
however, being excluded from voting in most cases upon practically
every important matter that was brought before the chapter. In a few
instances some of the chapters did accord greater rights to their grad-
uates but in the main they had no voice in the determination of the
chapter's fiscal policy, the admission of new members or in the general
conduct of local affairs. On the other hand their assistance in rushing
and above all in meeting chapter deficits was zealously sought by the
active members. In justice, therefore, to the alumni it was argued that
if they were going to be called upon to meet debts arising from bad
management and to iron out difficulties that had been brought about
by the refusal of the chapter to pledge persons that the alumni had
strongly urged, they should be given the right to vote on such matters.
The author himself recalls a case in his chapter where the graduate
members strongly resented the pledging of a certain person and vigor-
ously protested against the chapter's refusal to pledge the son of a
charter member. On the other hand, while the active members valued
202 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
most highly the counsel and aid furnished by their graduates they were
afraid that the proposed scheme would destroy their rights in the
selection of persons who were to make up the active chapter, and it
was the active chapter that had to live with these persons and not the
alumni. Spirited discussion took place on this general matter at the
1917 Convention with the result that a compromise was effected.
According to this agreement, the alumni and active members were
declared to be the chapter and were to enjoy equal rights and privi-
leges, provided, the alumni were to have no right to vote for active
members without the consent of the active chapter, unless such chapter
had fewer than five members. In such an event the alumni might
step in and vote new members into the chapters. By another amend-
ment the alumni were denied the right to elect the chapter's delegate
to the convention, though as has been seen they were at the same time
accorded the power to vote on the expulsion or suspension of any
member of the chapter. Finally, in 1921 all restrictions upon the powers
of the alumni to vote on the admission of new members were removed,
and since that date the alumni may, if they desire, vote upon any
candidate for admission into the chapter. 339
Another important modification that took place between 1909 and
1921 in the organic law was that which concerned the honorable dis-
missal of members. Although the intent of the clause in the 1909
document had been to provide for dismissal, the use of the word
"Fraternity" raised a technical point as to whether a person once
inducted into Delta Upsilon could ever sever his connections with the
same. Prior to 1909 it would appear that the Executive Council at
times had accepted the resignations of certain persons, the implication
being that membership might be terminated upon action of that body.
After 1909, however, it seems clear that while one might receive an
honorable discharge from his chapter, no dismissal from the Fraternity
could take place except for violation of the pledges. Definite pro-
nouncement of this policy was stated in 1912 and again in 1921. Hence
from 1909 on, a person might honorably be relieved of his chapter
obligations but not from the Fraternity except for violation of his
pledges.
Again the question arose, in 1912, as to the status of alumni belong-
ing to a petitioning society that had been granted a charter. Hereto-
fore these persons had become members by initiation only. In the
future certified alumni of a petitioning group might become members
of Delta Upsilon either by initiation or by subscribing, at a later date,
**See Quarterly, XXXVI:2-4.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 203
to the pledge required by the rite of initiation. During 1917, another
question arose relative to the standing of persons who had entered
military service, particularly among the Canadian chapters. It appears
that certain individuals had been pledged to the Fraternity but before
initiation had entered military service. In justice to these men it was
ruled that the rite of initiation might be administered either by any
chapter or group of members upon the written authority of the Coun-
cil, provided that the candidate's own chapter had given its consent.
Finally, it should be observed that in 1913 the constitution was altered
so as to prevent the initiation of any person after September, 1917,
who was a member of a high school secret society, preparatory school
or institution that trained students for college. This change had been
brought about as the result of a general move that had arisen in certain
states against college fraternities. Evidently, Delta Upsilon desired to
strengthen its position by making it clear that its fraternal life and
organization was not to be confused with the practices of secondary
school societies, whose actions had aroused so much just comment and
criticism. 340
Between 1921 and 1925, when a new constitution was adopted, a
number of changes took place. Most of these concerned detail matters
which need no comment, or related to the governing boards of the
Fraternity, concerning which some discussion will appear in a later
chapter. It should be noted in passing, however, that there was added
during these years to the list of Fraternity officers, an Assistant Treas-
urer, a Chairman of the Board of Directors and a new body known
as the Board on Petitioning Societies. It should also be observed that
in 1924 the constitution was altered so as to provide that petitioning
societies might be granted a charter upon a seven-eighths vote of the
chapters present in convention and upon a three-fourths vote of the
Trustees present at their annual assembly. 341
Since 1925 the number of changes that have occurred are few in
number, for which no detailed treatment seems necessary, especially
as most of these modifications concerned the central government of
Delta Upsilon and which are treated elsewhere in this volume. For
our purpose all that remains is to present a brief rsum of the Consti-
tution and By-Laws as they exist at the present time. The Constitution
of 1933 consists of eleven articles, the first of which defines the Frater-
nity. This article provides that Delta Upsilon is a non-secret society
840 In 1916 this was altered so as to read September, 1918, and in 1919 was repealed
entirely. In 1921 it was provided that chapter delegates were not to be bound by
the instructions of their societies.
341 See below pp. 209-213 for discussion of this change.
204 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
consisting of members duly initiated in accordance with the law of the
Fraternity and of such honorary members that had been elected prior
to 1891. The objects of the Fraternity remain as they had been since
1909, with the incorporated Fraternity possessing the power to acquire
and hold funds and disburse the same for general purposes. Article
two concerns the Board of Trustees and bore no material change over
the 1925 document other than the addition of a new section in 1930
which allows the Trustees of a chapter to collect and receive on behalf
of a chapter any money or property bequeathed to it. Article three
concerns the Directors, while the next article enumerates the duties of
the Fraternity officers. No change appears in the structure of the
Directors, though in 1931 a new officer was added in the form of a
Fraternity Advisor. This officer was to be appointed by the President,
subject to the approval of the Directors, for three years; his duties
being assigned by that body. The motive back of this feature was the
belief that certain prominent and peculiarly fitted members might
visit either the chapters or alumni groups in an informal way and
address them on matters incident to the Fraternity or on any topic of
general interest. No Advisors have as yet been appointed. Article five
relates to the governing boards, concerning which comment will appear
later. Article six covers the question of membership in Delta Upsilon
and was the same as it had been in 1925. The next article deals with
the chapters and except for a change in 1932 was the same as it had
been in ig25. 842 The eighth article dealing with the alumni clubs was
the same as in 1925, while article ten was altered in 1932 only to the
extent that a chapter was to be denied rights at convention if it were
four months in default to the Fraternity for taxes or other obligations;
heretofore the section had read five months previous to convention*
It should also be noted in passing that chapter delegates to the con-
vention were to be chosen by the undergraduates only unless none
were present or voting. The remaining two articles concern the Frater-
nity Seal and the procedure of constitutional amendment, relative to
which no alterations have taken place since 1925.
In respect to the By-Laws of the Fraternity certain alterations have
been made. Article one concerns the convention whose officers include
a President, three Vice-Presidents, one of whom is to be an under-
graduate, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Chaplain and an Auditor. In
1925 the list also included a Poet, Historian, and an Orator, all of
change called for an elimination of the clause "who at that time of his
admission therein was a duly enrolled student of the institution in which such a
society is located"; a change of no great significance.
CONSTITUTIONAL GROWTH 205
whom were eliminated in 1936. In the same year the section that
required the submission to the Convention of annual reports from
the chapters was abolished. In so doing the convention brought to an
end a practice that had existed since the establishment of the Con-
federation. During the early years of the Fraternity these reports were
evidently of great value as they gave each society an opportunity to
become aware of what the others were doing and aided in knitting
the organizations into a closer brotherhood. With the advent of the
Quarterly, however, the need for these convention reports was con-
siderably removed and though for a time they were continued in a
much briefer form their actual value was practically gone. The surpris-
ing thing is that they were not abolished earlier than they were. Article
two relates to the District or Provincial Conferences which had been
formally established in 1912 and concerning which discussion will
follow in a later chapter. Suffice it here to say that while the organic
law of 1925 enumerates these Provinces that for 1926 eliminated the
list of the chapters belonging to each district. Article four concerns
the structure of the chapters and with the exception of a clause added
in 1930 to the effect that the local treasurer might be either a graduate
or active member no other change has taken place since 1925. This
slight alteration is significant, however, in that it points the way to a
more thorough fiscal policy on the part of the chapters. In respect to
the insignia of the Fraternity which is to be found in Article six the
only change noted since 1925 was the addition of a dause in 1930
which provides that the mother, wife or fiancee might wear the badge
of a member of Delta Upsilon. All other articles of the By-Laws remain
as they had been in 1925 except for certain changes in the nature of
the tax system and the structure of alumni clubs, items which will be
treated separately.
And so our narrative of the growth and development of the Consti-
tution and By-Laws of Delta Upsilon has come to an end. Throughout
this sketch we have witnessed the steady progression towards greater
centralization. During the formative period the emphasis had been on
the chapters and in their hands most of the powers had rested. Begin-
ning, however, with the memorable Convention at Middlebury in 1864
a decided step was taken towards the creation of a central governing
body. With the inception of the Executive Council in 1883, or 1885 if
we take the date when that body formally began to function, Delta
Upsilon was launched upon a scheme that logically led to the incor-
poration of that Council in 1905 and of the Fraternity itself in 1909.
Since that latter date great strides were made by the creation of a
s>o6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
number of governing boards and bodies, notably the Trustees and
Directors, all of which resulted in the appearance of a Fraternity which
was marked by centralization of power in the hands of the alumni
rather than of the active members. Speaking in terms of political
science Delta Upsilon is still a federation of sovereign chapters, who
either through their delegates to the Convention or to the Board of
Trustees have the final voice in the determination of Fraternity policy.
So extensive, however, is the authority that the chapters have delegated
to the governing boards that it seems safe to conclude that the practical
control of Delta Upsilon is definitely lodged where it should bein
the hands of those best calculated to lead to further growth and devel-
opment. The constitutional arrangements prior to 1864 and indeed
before 1909 were logically devised to promote the life of the Fraternity
as it then existed. With the extension in the roll of chapters that took
place after these dates, with the appearance of the Quarterly and the
Executive Council, it became apparent that a more delicate and com-
plicated system had developed. Proper handling of this situation
demanded that the undergraduate surrender some of his powers to
those alumni whose experience and ability argued for control in Frater-
nity matters. It is a compliment to the active members that they not
only saw this need but courageously undertook to solve the problem
by creating a central government of far reaching power and authority.
Under the guidance of this government, Delta Upsilon has forged
forward, and actuated by motives and purposes as dear to the alumni
as to the undergraduate, a Fraternity in the true sense of the word has
come into being. Were those youths who conceived the idea of "Justice
is our Foundation" to appear today they would wonder at the structure
as it now exists. Their unanimous opinion, however, would be that
Delta Upsilon was still a Fraternity wherein brothers sought to pro-
mote equity in college affairs, to aid in the diffusion of liberal culture
and above all to seek those spiritual values of brotherhood and true
manhood.
Chapter X
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES IN THE
TWENTIETH CENTURY
ALUMNI SUPPORT OF CONVENTIONS CHAPTER ATTENDANCE AD-
MISSION OF NEW CHAPTERS ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST
EXPANSION
ANNUAL conventions of Delta Upsilon were held from 1900 to date
with the single exception of 1918. In that year, as a result of the
disturbed conditions that existed following America's entrance into
the World War, it was deemed wise not to hold the usual gathering.
In most cases chapters acted as hosts though on several occasions an
alumni club or clubs sponsored the meeting. For example, the West
Baden Convention of 1929 was held under the auspices of the Indi-
anapolis Delta Upsilon Club with the assistance of the De Pauw,
Purdue and Indiana Chapters. The utilization of the kind services of
these clubs reflects in part the growing importance of the alumni to the
Fraternity. At the same time it reveals a reluctance on the part of
the chapters to shoulder the responsibilities of these gatherings even
though the General Fraternity has been exceedingly generous in its
aid and assistance. Among those chapters who have entertained the
Fraternity more than once are Syracuse, Brown, Chicago, New York
and Minnesota, though in each case the local alumni played an impor-
tant role in making these meetings a success. Among those who have
frequented Fraternity Conventions, most would agree that the gather-
ings at San Francisco, Seattle, New York City and Washington, D. C.,
were outstanding meetings. And while these conventions were marked
by important gains in Fraternity work, such as the admission of new
chapters or the amendment of the constitution, the most conspicuous
characteristic was the social and fraternal aspect. Anyone who will
take the trouble to examine the records of the conventions of even
fifty years ago will be struck by the absence of entertainment. Ever
since the close of the previous century more and more time has been
devoted to various forms of entertainment which in some cases have
been rather elaborate.
207
s>o8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
The growth of the Fraternity has made possible this shift in empha-
sis. In 1900 thirty-four chapters were represented, while in 1932 fifty-
five societies were present. From 1900 to 1916 inclusive the number
of delegates ran from sixty to ninety-one, with the largest representa-
tion taking place in 1915. During these years each chapter was entitled
to two delegates plus one additional for every ten members in excess of
twenty-five, a factor that helps to explain the variation in the number
of delegates. 343 Another cause was that during 1915 and 1916 Toronto
sent only one representative, while in 1916 McGill had no delegate;
both cases being explained on account of the disturbed conditions at
these institutions due to the World War. Finally, it should be added
that in certain years some of the chapters sent no delegations at all,
while in other instances chapters were represented by but one dele-
gate. 344 From 1917 to 1932 inclusive, during which period the consti-
tution allotted but one delegate to each chapter, the number of
accredited representatives ranged from forty-two to fifty-five. There
should have been one additional delegate in 1917 and two in 1932,
but, due to the failure of these chapters to meet their obligations to the
Fraternity, they were denied seats by virtue of a constitutional provi-
sion. 345 Harvard, for reasons that will be explained later, was not
present from 1919 to 1923 inclusive, while New York was absent in
1922 and Toronto in 1923 and 1924. No cause is listed in the Annual
for the absence of these last two societies.
In addition to the representatives from the chapters, delegates from
a number of alumni clubs and associations were granted seats with
limited powers. The number present varied from six in 1900 to twenty-
seven in 1909, the average for the entire period from 1900 to 1932
being five. The greatest interest shown by these groups took place in
1908, 1909, 1910 and 1925. In general this may be explained by reason
of the location of the convention and the entertainment provided; and
yet at New York City in 1932 there were but three groups present.
Of the various clubs and associations attending these meetings the
Delta Upsilon Club of New York has had by far the best record, with
the Chicago, Minnesota, Kansas City and Western Pennsylvania groups
trailing. All of these far outdistanced the other units whose presence
** Harvard had three delegates in 1901, 1904, 1907, 1909, Bowdoin, three, in
1915 and 1916.
""Stanford and California had no delegates in 1901, while in 1907 these groups
had but one delegate. Northwestern had but one in 1905 and 1909. Marietta but
one in 1910, while Toronto and New York were not represented in 1923 and 1922
respectively.
* These were Rutgers, De Pauw and New York.
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 209
was often accounted for by reason of some petitioning society in their
area. Prominent among those who were delegates from these alumni
units should be mentioned F. M. Crossett who probably holds the
record of having been present at more conventions than any other
single Delta Upsilon, living or dead. 345 *
From 1900 to 1921 inclusive the Executive Council was represented
by two delegates at each meeting; after that date this body was no
longer entitled to representation, though a number of them were
present at these later sessions. The Trustees, who were given seats
beginning in 1910, had two delegates except for 1910 when but one
seems to have attended. Among the representatives of these two groups
should be mentioned Wilson L. Fairbanks, John Patterson, Clifford
M. Swan, Samuel S. Hall and Thomas C. Miller. In addition to these
various delegates there were present at odd times the officers of the
Fraternity and Convention as well as a large number of visitors from
the chapters and alumni clubs.
The activities of the convention covered a number of topics among
which none was more important than that of amending and revising
the Constitution. Much of this has already been discussed, though
there is one change that requires comment in view of the attitude of
the chapters towards this matter, namely the procedure relative to the
admission of new chapters. At the beginning of the century no charter
could be granted except by the unanimous consent of the chapters
present at convention. Now it was the opinion of some, notably among
those alumni who were active in Fraternity work, that this arrange-
ment was altogether too narrow, particularly as a single chapter might
block the desires and best interests of Delta Upsilon. Actuated by
this motive, Ferris, New York '78, proposed at the 1903 meeting that
the constitution be altered so as to provide for the consent of but four-
fifths of the chapters in convention. Ferris intended bringing this up
for action at the next general meeting but before that time certain
members of the Council seem to have persuaded him to drop the
matter as it "undoubtedly would cause a warm fight, and even if
passed would be the cause of a lot of friction." 346 Nothing materialized,
therefore, for the time being. And even when the organic law was
altered in 1905 and 1909 no suggestion was made by either the Execu-
tive Council or the delegates to change the existing provision.
8 * 5 * Crossett died March 18, 1934.
848 See Goldsmith to Hall, Oct. 18, 1904 and Minutes of the Executive Council,
Nov. 14, 1903. The Constitution of 1854, which operated until 1859, provided that
a three-fourths vote of the chapters was required; the vote being either in con-
vention or by correspondence.
210 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
In the December issue o the Quarterly for 1909, however, the whole
matter was brought squarely before the Fraternity by an article setting
forth the views of the Harvard Chapter. It was the opinion of this
group that the constitution was thwarting the will of the great ma-
jority of the chapters. To remedy this situation Harvard proposed that
the organic law be amended so that while a unanimous vote was to be
required on the first two applications for a charter, then any sub-
sequent request needed only a seven-eighths vote of the chapters in
convention. This article aroused considerable interest among the
chapters, several of whom wrote in to the Quarterly approving of the
Harvard proposal. 347 Clearly the sentiment in favor of a change had
grown considerably since 1904. Moreover the matter was brought be-
fore the Trustees at a meeting, February 8, 1910. At this assembly
Waldo G. Morse of the Rochester Chapter proposed that the con-
vention be asked to amend the constitution along the lines suggested
by Harvard, plus a provision that called for the consent of two-thirds
of the Trustees. Although an attempt was made to postpone considera-
tion of this motion until a later meeting, the Trustees by a vote of
twenty in favor and none against endorsed Morse's action. As a result,
the chapters were notified that this amendment would be brought up
before the 1910 Convention, as it was by Verne M. Bovie, Secretary
of the Trustees. The account of the action of the delegates as given in
the Quarterly is significant enough to be quoted: 348
After several other matters of minor importance had been disposed
of, a scrawny little foundling called the 'Seven Eighths Vote' was left
on the doorstep of the Convention. John Patterson half apologized as
he unwrapped the poorly nourished creature and held it up for the
delegates* examination. He protested loudly that it was no offspring
of his, nor did he know who its father was. The Trustees had accepted
a sort of guardianship until the Convention should decide whether
or not to adopt it. ... Some of the delegates thought the youngster a
useful citizen and urged its adoption; others felt kindly toward it at
first and offered to give it a chance. The dubious ones thought leaving
it lie on the table for a year might do it good but Clifford G. Roe
protested against such action, as inhuman and unprecedented. He
moved instead that the little waif be painlessly exterminated by unani-
mous vote of the Convention assembled, and as a result of this its re-
mains were respectfully interred in a bottomless pit. Sic transit gloria
pat.
In spite of this facetious report as given in the Quarterly the fact re-
mains that there were some delegates who were strongly of the opinion
Quarterly, XXVlII:$g-4i, 185.
** Quarterly,
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 211
that the amendment was worth passing. Patterson himself had voted
for the proposition at the Trustees' meeting and surely was well in-
formed as were others as to its origins and supporters. Doubtless those
who were in favor of the idea sensed the futility of the movement,
which explains why they endorsed Roe's suggestion. The proposal
itself was not as dangerous as it appeared in view of the fact that the
seven-eighths vote could not be invoked until the petitioner had come
up for the third time. On the other hand it is reasonable to assume
that a society that was determined to gain admission into Delta
Upsilon and which could bank upon seven-eighths of the chapters
might willingly wait three years. In which event one might as well
grant a charter the first time and be done with it. As it was, however,
the convention would not consider the proposition. 349
The matter was not "interred in a bottomless pit," though for many
a year the Fraternity made no attempt to alter the existing regulation.
An examination, however, of the Quarterly and the Annual will reveal
that while no one seemed so bold as to whisper in favor of a change
there were many who believed that the time would come when the
unanimous vote would be removed. Year after year the Executive
Council and later the Board on Petitioning Societies presented their
recommendations to the convention as to granting new charters. Their
findings had been the result of much thought, effort and expense.
Nothing in other words was left undone by these servants of the Fra-
ternity to discover the fitness of the petitioning bodies. Personal visits
to the institutions concerned, correspondence with university authori-
ties, examination of the local's standing in respect to scholarship, stu-
dent activities, financial rating and the like, all speak volumes for the
zeal of these men to present only groups that measured up to the
highest standards. And yet in spite of this objective investigation,
chapter delegates continued to vote down societies that in some cases
were far stronger and better established than some of the chapters
themselves. The motives behind this position will be treated later.
Suffice it here to state that the delegates, possessed of scanty informa-
tion, determined for various reasons to insist upon voting against
societies which had the whole hearted support of the committees that
had investigated them. A crisis was reached at the Amherst Convention
of 1923. At this meeting the chapters turned a deaf ear to all the
petitioners, of whom the Board of Petitioning Societies had strongly
848 In justice to the Trustees it ought to be stated that while Patterson and others
were opposed to the proposition on the ground that it would stir up internal strife,
they were nevertheless willing to bring the matter up and then dispose of it as
outlined above; see Smalley to Swan, Aug. 31, Sept. 31, 1910.
212 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
recommended charters to Missouri and Dartmouth; the former, for
example, being denied by a vote of but three chapters. Hardly had
the Convention taken action than the meeting was thrown into a
spirited discussion -as to the right of a chapter "to mold the policy of
the entire Fraternity against the wishes of the rest." John P. Broomell,
Thomas C. Miller and others spoke most strongly in favor of a change
which was followed by Broomell proposing an amendment providing
for a four-fifths vote of the chapters present at a convention. Our
written sources fail to show the intense feeling that was engendered
by this proposal, though a conversation with any of the men who at-
tended this meeting would convince the most "doubting Thomas"
that the whole affair was one that might well have produced internal
strife of a most serious nature. The psychological setting, however,
was all in favor of a change and to the surprise of both factions,
Broomell's resolution was carried by a vote of twenty-eight to
eighteen. 350
The above resolution was referred to the standing committee on the
constitution by the Directors at their meeting, September 19, 1923. This
committee in time presented a report that modified the original amend-
ment by calling for a seven-eighths vote instead of a four-fifths vote.
This change was made on the ground that it was less drastic than the
proposal of the Amherst Convention and would, therefore, have a
better chance of being adopted. Among the Trustees there were some
who were not entirely in accord with the proposition. Not that they
did not find fault with the attitude of the chapters but that they feared
the entire proposition might lead to a split in Fraternity sentiment.
Accordingly these men sought to compromise but on finding that the
bulk of the Trustees were in sympathy with the amendment were
content to register their votes against the change and allow the ma-
jority to have their way. Final action was taken by the Trustees at a
special meeting, January 24, 1924. At this gathering several changes
were suggested by certain members but each in turn was voted down.
Ultimately the original resolution providing for a seven-eighths vote
was carried in the Assembly by twenty-five votes for and five against.
The amendment was then forwarded to the chapters who in time as-
sembled at Syracuse for convention in the fall of ig24. 851
On September 15 of that year the proposition was debated by the
delegates. In the meantime, as is evidenced by a study of the Quar-
** Annual, 1923, Quarterly, 11:323-334.
^Minutes of the Board of Directors, Sept. 19, Nov. 21, Bee. 20, 1923, Minutes
of the Board of Trustees, Nov. 3, 1923, Jan. 24, 1924.
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 213
terly and a few of the minutes of chapter meetings, the Fraternity at
large had examined the matter in a most careful manner. Small won-
der was it therefore that a spirited discussion took place at Syracuse,
particularly on the part of the delegates from Amherst, Williams,
Cornell, Brown, Rutgers, Oregon State, the Trustees and representa-
tives of the New York and Oklahoma Alumni Clubs. The roll-call re-
vealed thirty-five votes in the affirmative and eight in the negative,
which was enough to pass the amendment. And so after many years of
agitation the Fraternity established as its present rule that upon a
seven-eighths vote of the chapters present at convention and upon
a three-fourths vote of the Trustees at their annual Assembly, a charter
might be granted to a petitioning society. Since that date murmurs
have been heard in favor of still further change and at the New York
Convention of 1932 a motion was actually presented providing for a
three-fourths vote of the Convention. This motion, although debated
at some length, was defeated on roll-call. 352
In addition to amending the Constitution, the conventions under-
took to instruct the Executive Council, the Council, Trustees and other
governing boards or committees as to a number of various matters.
To illustrate, the questions of Fraternity examinations, of the proper or
improper use of the Insignia, of the publication of Our Record or
Manual, these and many others were referred to some agency of the
general Fraternity either with power to act or with the instruction to
report at the next convention. In some cases each one of these topics
was conceived by one of the governing boards, though the actual
presentation of the matter to the convention was usually handled by a
chapter delegate. The convention likewise passed a number of resolu-
tions endorsing the work of members either in Fraternity or non-
fraternity work, thanking the entertaining chapter or alumni club for
their kindness and hospitality, and interpreting at times the correct
meaning of some phrase of the constitution, such for example as the
provision relating to the affiliation of members from other chapters.
Although these topics consumed much of the time of the convention,
that which was closest to the hearts and interest of the chapter dele-
gates was the question of the admission of new members. Fraternity
expansion, or extension as it is also called, had been one of the high
lights of past conventions. The twentieth century has been no excep-
tion to this, though older and maturer minds have often wondered
852 Annual, 1924-1932. No record of this call appears in the manuscript records
and it may be that the reference in the Annual should have read "motion was
defeated."
214 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
why the delegates took this matter so seriously, particularly as Delia
Upsilon has fairly well covered most of the leading educational insti-
tutions. The answer exists in the view that the right to found new
chapters is one of the few powers of any significance that is still
possessed by the chapters. The exercise of this function, moreover
has given to the delegates an opportunity to engage in Fraternity
politics in a manner that evidently is much relished. Further, at the
opening of the century the field for extension was still relatively large
and as there existed a tradition of conservatism and progression in
some of the chapters the battle was continued and has been continued
down to date with zeal and determination.
Unlike the former periods, the problem was marked by the omission
of any disputes between the delegates and the governing boards as to
the legality of the founding of new societies. This matter which had
torn the Fraternity wide open in the i88o's was largely put to rest by
the action of the delegates at that time and by the Executive Council
and Trustees' practice of meticulously observing constitutional require-
ments. Further the method of investigating petitioning groups was
conducted on a more scientific basis, either by the Executive Council,
Trustees or by the Board on Petitioning Societies. As a result chapter
delegates no longer doubted the merit of an institution recommended
to them, though they did, as will be shown, question the character or
standing of the petitioning groups themselves. On the other hand it
should be noted that in some localities there was a positive opinion
based upon logical thought and reasoning that Delta Upsilon should
proceed most cautiously in admitting new chapters.
The arguments for and against extension, as advanced during the
present century, constituted nothing new. Indeed it would not be
difficult to show that the sentiments expressed by delegates and alumni
in the last thirty years are the same in principle as those voiced during
the last half of the previous century. For purposes of convenience and
in the interest of clarification, an attempt will be made to present a
resume of these conflicting views as they appear in our sources. One
of the more significant statements made was that the Fraternity had
grown too rapidly in admitting new chapters and that instead of
further expansion, the Fraternity should direct its efforts towards
internal development. By internal growth was meant the strengthen-'
ing of the existing chapters through the creation of agencies that
would not only watch over the ordinary phases of chapter life but
would also knit the same into a stronger and more vital brotherhood
by the adoption of uniform practices, by more frequent visitations by
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 215
Fraternity officers and by instilling into the minds of all the cardinal
principles and ideals of Delta Upsilon. The argument in itself was
possessed of distinct merit and validity. Certain chapters had, for vari-
ous reasons, fallen into evil wa\s and practices, had been slip-shod
in their business procedure, had been remiss in performing duties to
the Fraternity and at times had been unwilling to meet their financial
obligations either to local concerns or to the General Fraternity.
Finally, it should be noted that in a few instances, that will be treated
later, a spirit of ultra independence had appeared; a spirit, moreover,
which tended to the inception of a belief that the chapter itself might
well conduct its own life without much regard to the Fraternity itself.
And in one case, this sentiment went so far as to lead to nullification
and secession. Those who advocated a stronger internal policy were
standing on sure and certain ground.
Another contention, and one not without merit, was that any
further extension would lead to greater difficulties of efficient admin-
istration. Those who held to this view argued that visitations by a
field secretary would become increasingly more laborious and expen-
sive. Proper inspection demanded visits by this officer or some other
person that were not only frequent but were more extended as to
time. How any person could satisfactorily visit all of the chapters in a
given year, especially as these groups extended from coast to coast
and almost from North to South and interview in a penetrating and
objective manner the chapters, the alumni and the university author-
ities, was a question that the anti-expansionists believed could not be
answered. Homogeneity of character among the chapters and similar-
ity of ideals would become increasingly more difficult to obtain as the
chapter roll was enlarged. And with the failure of these worthy objec-
tives a spirit of sectionalism had and would still further develop.
Sectionalism, all agreed, was an attitude of mind that should be erased
as speedily as possible.
Again, it was held that the burden of proof for admitting new
societies lay with the friends of that organization; in other words, it
was up to these alumni to make a good case for expansion, which
the foes of expansion believed had not always been accomplished.
The atmosphere of the convention, they also contended, was such that
often clouded real issues. Amid the heat and spirit of debate, support-
ing speeches were made that substituted sentiment and prejudice for
reason and logic. In this respect, it was argued by some, that even
though a chapter might be unable to present any sound reason for
objecting to a petitioning group, still if it honestly harbored a doubt
2i6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
as to the group or if it took the stand that the Fraternity should go
slow and emphasize conservatism and internal growth, then it was the
constitutional duty of that chapter to register a negative vote. In other
words, borrowing an analogy from the British Parliamentary system,
an "Opposition" was exactly as constitutional as His Majesty's Min-
isters. The essence of this argument amounted simply to this, that
further extension should be opposed on the ground that opposition
in itself was justifiable and constitutional.
Anti-expansionists also held that in some cases the admission of
certain groups illustrated quite clearly the defects in the existing pro-
cedure and therefore constituted a valid reason against further action.
With considerable logic these men showed that many a petitioning
society had been admitted too hastily and that the standards of the
local group which had been kept up to a point so as to insure admis-
sion, had slumped badly after a charter had been granted. Social
prestige, scholarly attainments, athletic and extra-curricular activities
all seemed most convincing during the period of petitioning, but after
admission these were allowed to drop. All of which showed the real
merits of the petitioning society or the qualities of the students at a
particular institution. Glorified speeches, alluring pictorial presenta-
tions of college buildings, inviting statistical data and the like did not
in themselves warrant the granting of a charter. "Beware of Greeks
bringing Gifts/' might well have been voiced by these men. In this
respect, it was often contended that proper analysis of factual material
had not taken place. Instead sentiment and prejudice clouded vision
and reason. Alumni, whose fraternal feelings had been lukewarm, were
often appealed to by petitioners in a way that made them feel that
now at last they might do something really important for Delta
Upsilon. Human nature being as it is, so the argument ran, was
stimulated by the vision of playing a r61e in the Fraternity; in other
words, of satisfying their own ego. This being the case these alumni
rushed into the theater of Fraternity problems and warmly advanced
a petitioning group regardless of the merits of the same. To prove this
contention there might well have been presented not merely the sub-
sequent slump in the character of the new chapter but also the more
patent observation that these alumni after having gained their ends
ceased to care very much about either the local group or the Fraternity
itself.
Again it was argued, more frequently in debate than in written form,
that the character of the men desiring admission did not measure up
to either the fraternity type or to the Delta Upsilon type. This view
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 217
rested upon personal visits at different times of nearby chapters either
to the college itself or to the petitioning society. Sometimes these visits
came as the result of inter-collegiate activities, social or otherwise;
again, they happened as a result of a desire to investigate the society
in question. In either instance the visit, which was usually a short one,
resulted in the acquisition of information concerning the quality of
college men at the institution where the petitioner existed. This in-
formation showed that the local atmosphere revealed characteristics
that were alien to Delta Upsilon. Peculiar student organizations, bear-
ing at times names that sounded uncouth and indicative of frontier
ideals, such as "Ruff-Necks," over-emphasis on athletic, social or
scholarly pursuits, such as being too attentive to books and literary
activities, a lack of courtesy, brotherly feeling or fraternity finesse,
these and other factors served to convince the visitors of the undesir-
ability of either the college or the society. This information was then
passed on to the other chapters by correspondence or by word of mouth
at convention and served as a nucleus for decided opposition. Societies
of this type that had been admitted, so the argument ran, did not enter
into the spirit of Delta Upsilon and did not, therefore, bring any
credit to the Fraternity.
Closely allied with this view was the sentiment that the financial
backing of the group was such as to make it unwise to grant it a charter.
Here again the evidence was usually gained after a society had been
admitted, which evidence showed that the new chapter was unable to
meet its local obligations, unable to maintain ornate if not elaborate
fraternity homes; all of which tended to weaken public opinion as to
the standards of Delta Upsilon. Again, it was argued that the admission
of a society at "X" college would, because of inter-collegiate rivalry or
standing, injure an existing chapter on its own campus and make it
increasingly difficult to pledge new members or even uphold Delta
Upsilon ideals. All of which meant that at a particular institution,
possessing a number of fraternities including Delta Upsilon, there
existed a hostile feeling against a neighboring institution. The author
knows, for example, of a prominent national fraternity whose alumni
have been urging the granting of a charter to a reputable New York
institution, but whose desires have been repeatedly checked by a nearby
chapter whose action has been based solely on athletic and college
rivalry. Were a chapter founded at that institution, then campus senti-
ment at the other college would immediately cast reflection upon the
already existing chapter, and in this way make it more difficult for
the older group to maintain its local and fraternity standing. In other
si8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
words by admitting the petitioning society the fraternity would be
defeating its own ends.
Many other arguments were raised, many of which were trivial in
nature or local in application, and need not detain us. It is believed,
however, that the most cogent arguments of the anti-expansionists have
been presented as they exist in written or unwritten records. A criticism
of these contentions is not within the scope of the historian as the
sincerity or honesty of the arguments can not be questioned. No one
who has read the lengthy circular letters sent out by the Michigan
Chapter in 1910 can doubt but its members were loyally seeking to
advance the cause of Delta Upsilon, even though they sought to check
the admission of new societies. Michigan, Amherst, Cornell, Wisconsin,
Stanford, California, Williams and others in seeking to retard hasty
growth and action were in the main actuated by honorable motives.
And yet it is evident that some of the arguments were in themselves
but rationalizations and did not reveal the actual reason for opposing
expansion. Ultra conservatism, it seems, was often the basic reason for
objection. Delta Upsilon, a time-honored Fraternity and possessed of a
rich and enviable heritage, should not seek to emulate other societies
whose purpose seemed to be to have the largest roll of chapters of any
fraternity. Were Delta Upsilon to follow in the wake of these more
ambitious groups the Fraternity would become common and cheap.
Further by so generous a policy, Delta Upsilon would soon have on
its hands a list of inactive chapters that would rival some of the other
Greek letter societies. It should also be noted in passing, that the
validity of these contentions was dimmed by the extensive internal
development that had taken place within the Fraternity, especially
since 1909.
Turning to the arguments of those who favored expansion one notes
at first the view that extension and internal growth were distinct
problems and that any attempt to confuse the two would lead to
illogical reasoning. The Council, Trustees, Directors, Graduate Board,
Finance Committee and the editor of the Quarterly had it as part of
their duty to foster and promote the internal life of the Fraternity.
The activities and accomplishments of these agencies, so it was debated,
spoke for themselves and thus removed any and all necessity for insist-
ing that there should be no more additions until the Fraternity had
set its own house in order. Internally, it was held, the Fraternity had
made great strides forward; its house was in order and the question of
extension was one that ought to be argued on the basis of its own
merits.
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 219
Again the expansionists declared that while it was true that care had
not always been taken in the past as to the investigation of petitioning
groups that this contention now was of no value. Further, it was
insisted, that an impartial group of alumni, whose loyalty to the Fra-
ternity could be attested by long and faithful service, was in a far better
position to seek out the objective facts relative to a petitioning society
and its college than a group of undergraduates. These undergraduates,
so it was held, were easily swayed by local sentiment or feeling that
had often been more traditional than valuable. The procedure adopted
by these alumni had always been built upon the foundation that
nothing would be done and no group recommended which in any way
might injure the standing of Delta Upsilon. Nothing was left undone
by these investigators to find out the facts in each case, and while local
alumni might have been swept off their feet as a result of personal
pressure, such could not be and had not been the case with the Board
on Petitioning Societies. In this respect the Board and the General
Fraternity Officers pointedly raised the question why did the delegates
continue to vote appropriations for these activities if their findings
were of no value. It should also be noted that the governing boards
argued most convincingly that only a small number of petitioning
groups had ever been referred to the convention and that in conse-
quence of this selectivity the delegates had been saved a great amount
of labor.
Probably the strongest case made out by those favoring a liberal
program was that the Fraternity itself from the very first had not been
a conservative organization, that its ideals and objectives were pro-
gressive in nature and that a modest policy of expansion was both
logical and necessary. Logical in that it was in tune with the historical
trend of the Fraternity; necessary, if the future was to witness Delta
Upsilon taking its place far to the front of the other existing societies.
Adopt a conservative plan, so these men argued, and admit no or
only a few more chapters and the time would come when the alumni
of Delta Upsilon would be lost in the greater number belonging to
other groups. Such a program would lead inevitably to a lessening of
the importance of the Fraternity in academic circles, would make it
more difficult to obtain desirable members and in any event bring
about an exclusive characteristic that was the very denial of the aims
and ideals of the Founders. Further, Delta Upsilon's reputation rested
not merely upon the number of four letter men that it had at this or
that college or of holding this college honor or office; rather did it also
depend upon the inherent and vital characteristics of its members.
S20 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Had Delta Upsilon not gone into Brown the Fraternity could not boast
o its Charles E. Hughes. And without chapters at Rutgers, Michigan,
Pennsylvania and elsewhere the Fraternity would have been denied as
members men who have taken prominent parts in our nation's history.
Who can tell, so the theme continued, what splendid material the
Fraternity has lost by not having entered Dartmouth earlier or in not
having a Yale Chapter. If this be true of these institutions it will also
be true of other universities where at present there is no chapter.
The future of Delta Upsilon rests not so much upon its past as upon
the present. With the Fraternity well intrenched by incorporation and
by the development of a worthwhile central government, expansion
becomes not only a reasonable but a necessary pan of Delta Upsilon.
The undergraduate need have no fear that the Fraternity will rush
into colleges that fall below the accepted standards of academic rank.
Indeed the number of institutions still open for legitimate considera-
tion are relatively few in number. Into these Delta Upsilon ought
logically to go, and with the founding of chapters at these universities
the entire question of expansion will become relatively unimportant.
In other words nature and society has set definite limits for the time
being upon expansion. This being the case, the expansionists argued,
let Delta Upsilon forge ahead and bring to an end this constant con-
tention between certain chapters and the Fraternity over the question
of admitting new societies.
Finally it should be noted that just as there are some chapters that
traditionally have taken a conservative stand so there are others who
have been habitually liberal in their attitude. Eager to see the Frater-
nity grow in numbers these extensionists have been as aggressive as
their opponents. Both factions have constantly sought to create pres-
sure upon the neutral group so as to gain their desired ends. In the
course of this contest those favoring expansion have often found their
path blocked, but with the change in the constitutional requirements
as to the admission of new chapters, these obstacles have one after
another been removed. Each and every society that has been granted
a charter in the present century is located at a college or institution
that commands the respect of the educational world. Moreover, in
many a case considerable opposition has existed but in time the expan-
sionists have usually had their way. And of the thirty or more societies
upon which no favorable action has been taken, over a half are located
at schools into which Delta Upsilon will probably never enter. On the
other hand considerable sentiment at various times has been raised in
CONVENTION ACTIVITIES 221
favor of the University of Maine, the University of Utah, Washington
and Jefferson, University of North Carolina, Duke and Cincinnati.
The accomplishments of the convention during the present century
have indeed been important. The Constitution and By-Laws have at
various times been amended and revised. Resolutions in large number
have been passed clothing the governing boards with additional power
and instructing them in respect to matters of Fraternity policy. Further,
charters have been granted to an imposing list of petitioning societies.
It is true, as noticed elsewhere, that the activities of the convention are
not as elaborate as they have been in the past, largely because powers
that heretofore were chiefly lodged in the hands of this gathering have
since 1909 been shared by the governing boards of Delta Upsilon.
Actually, therefore, one must study the functions of these boards if
one wishes to gain a true picture of the growth and progress of the
Fraternity. This statement should not be interpreted as meaning that
the convention is of no significance, for the exact opposite is true.
Constitutionally this body possesses far-reaching power. Its greatest
value, however, in recent years has not been in the exercise of these
rights; rather has it been found in the promotion of friendship and
Fraternity spirit. Gathered under the auspices of ideals and objectives
that have stood the tests and storms of a hundred years, chapter and
alumni delegates have consciously and unconsciously walked shoulder
to shoulder in an unending march for a greater and more lasting Delta
Upsilon.
Chapter XI
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH
CENTURY
PERSONNEL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WESTERN REPRESENTA-
TIONINCORPORATION OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MANIFOLD
ACTIVITIES THE HARVARD SITUATION THE PRESENT COUNCIL
risTORicALLY, the oldest governing board of Delta Upsilon, other
than the convention which has been treated elsewhere, is the
Executive Council or as it is now called, the Council. The story of this
body during the present century may be divided into three general
periods: first, that which relates to its life prior to 1905; second, from
then to 1909; and thirdly, from 1909 to date. During the first of these
periods one notes that the Executive Council's structure and powers
rest upon certain constitutional provisions to be found in the organic
law of 1891, plus several amendments made in 1904. Prior to this last
mentioned date the Executive Council consisted of nine members
chosen annually by the convention. Of these, six were to be alumni,
no two of whom might be selected from the same chapter. A similar
restriction existed in respect to the three undergraduate members.
The officers of the Executive Council included a President, a Vice-
President, and a Secretary and Treasurer; the latter office being held
by one person, who received a stipend of two hundred dollars a year.
At least six meetings were to be held annually. This body prepared at
these sessions the agenda of the convention and conduct of that meet-
ing, made plans for the investigation of petitioning societies, the
installation of new chapters, the issuing of charters and membership
certificates, the publication of the Annual, the appointment of Advi-
sory Boards and the handling of Fraternity finance. In addition, it
rendered a report to the convention and conducted general Fraternity
affairs subject to the constitution and instructions of the convention.
Actually in only one year did the Executive Council meet the
required number of times, but with that exception it may be said that
that body performed to the best of its abilities the various duties that
were required. Its personnel consisted of E. J. Thomas, S. S. Hall,
222
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 223
T. B. Penfield, G. F. Andrews, E. S. Bloom, E. S. Harris, T. R. Wey-
mouth, R. K. S. Catherwood, J. B. Crandall, F. M. Lowe, G. S. Dresser,
H. S. Smalley, W. L. Fairbanks, and Arthur E. Bestor for the alumni;
while E. W. Cutler, R. J. Reiley, C. E. Case, G. C. Stewart, E. A. Cary,
G. W. Fuller, E. S. Harris, H. D. Randall, F. M. Lowe, P. M. Binzel,
J. D. Williams, C. I. Lattig, H. P. Peckham, A. R. Gibbons, G. L.
Lindsley, W. J. Hammond, H. W. Herrick and E. N. Abbey for the
undergraduates. Of the alumni, Hall and Penfield held office during
the six years covered by this section of the narrative, with Bloom a
member for four years, Harris for three, Weymouth and Catherwood
for two and the others for but one year. All of the Executive Council
officers were chosen from the alumni.
The activities of this board concerned the investigation of petition-
ing societies, the installation of new chapters, the matter of Fraternity
ritual, district meetings, the equalization of railroad rates to conven-
tions, and the establishment of a Field Secretary. This latter office
seems to have been held by Penfield, who in 1902-1903 visited eleven
chapters, the next year twenty-four and in 1904-1905 practically all of
the chapters. Probably the most significant event during the years
1900-1905 was the creation by the 1903 Convention of a Committee on
Internal Improvement. This body was appointed by the Executive
Council late in January, 1904. By this time Fairbanks, who had been
author of the entire idea, was busy formulating a draft of the various
topics that should be discussed by the committee. At this juncture,
Catherwood, who had recently retired from the Executive Council,
somewhat disturbed the peaceful trend of events by proposing that
the Executive Council should be reorganized so as to provide for
representation of the Western Chapters. The Committee on Internal
Improvement, of which Fairbanks was chairman, seemed disinclined
to favor this idea as they could see no good reason for raising the
question. Nevertheless in a spirit of good will they issued a circular
to a large number of the alumni asking their opinion on three distinct
propositions. The first of these inquired whether the concentration
of power in the hands of those living in or near New York had ever
been detrimental to the Fraternity in either a general or local way.
Again, it was asked whether there was any demand among the Western
alumni for a greater voice in Fraternity work and finally, if such
participation seemed advisable what methods might be suggested to
bring about any desired change.
Unfortunately our sources are too scanty to reveal to whom these
questions were put or what percent answered. The replies that exist
*4 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
rould tend to indicate that the circular was only addressed to Western
lumni. Some of these men stated in their answers that they were quite
atisfied with existing arrangements and that they knew of no senti-
nent in favor of Western representation on the Executive Council.
Others replied that it might be expedient to place men from the West
>n that body so as to promote better feeling and because the geographic
renter of Delta Upsilon would in time be in the Middle West. For
his latter reason, it was suggested that there might be headquarters
it both Chicago and New York, while some favored the moving of the
Executive Council to Chicago itself. Among those who argued for
A r estern representation there were some who frankly stated that the
nanagement of the Fraternity had not been all that it might have been
md that the concentration of power in the East had injured the life
}f Delta Upsilon.
On the basis of this limited evidence it seems clear that Catherwood's
suggestion had the backing of a number large enough to warrant atten-
.ion. Both the Executive Council and the Committee on Internal
Improvement recognized this fact. To illustrate, Smalley, a member
^f the Committee, believed that the argument for broader representa-
don appealed to him on the ground that it would quiet a spirit of
fealousy and ambition that existed among certain members of the
Fraternity. Smalley, however, was not ready to advocate an immediate
tange but urged the Executive Council to keep the entire question
n mind for future action. On the other hand, Ferris, also of the
Committee, was strongly opposed to the entire affair as it was stamped,
according to him, with jealousy on the part of some who "never work
. . rarely think, and yet is pleasing to them to bask in the sunlight
:>f print and to play at greatness." 353
At the 1904 Convention, which was held at Chicago, no mention of
Western representation was made in the reports of the Executive
Council and the Committee on Internal Improvement. On the motion,
lowever, to accept the report of the Executive Council a discussion
,vas precipitated by Frederic Whitton and participated in by Thornton
B. Penfield, Jennings C. Litzenberg, Robert K. S. Catherwood, Frank
VI. Lowe, Goldwin Goldsmith, William H. French and Earl P. Mallory,
ill of whom were alumni. Out of this debate came the appointment
:>f a committee of five, headed by Whitton, to investigate the matter,
Darticularly from a financial point of view, and report at a later
388 See the letters to and from the Council and the Committee for 1904; especially
hose from S. Singleton, July 14, H. S. Smalley, May 7, and from Ferris, no date
ippearing on this last letter.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 225
session. Two meetings were held by this body with the result that a
number of amendments were proposed effecting changes in the consti-
tution. These changes, after some slight alteration, became part of the
organic law in 1905. According to these changes the Executive Council
was to include six alumni, no two of whom were to be from the same
chapter, and at least two of whom were to reside west of Buffalo.
The Executive Council, moreover, was allowed three hundred dollars
to meet the expenses of its members to and from all meetings, which
were to be held at the headquarters in New York. It is evident, there-
fore, that Catherwood's proposals, though somewhat modified, were
nevertheless accepted by the convention.
The resolutions offered by the Committee on Internal Improvement
were accepted at the 1904 Convention. These resolutions authorized
a system of district conventions and the issuing of a new Song-Book.
Chapter reports to the alumni were to be handled by the Executive
Council if the societies desired, while the ritual of the Fraternity was
to be revised at once. The Executive Council was also instructed by
these resolves to test in a limited area methods of obtaining advance
information relative to prospective freshmen and to try for one year
the establishment of an employment bureau. Alumni associations were
to be formed for every chapter. Alumni clubs, on the other hand, were
to pay a small tax to the Fraternity and render a yearly report to the
Council. An Association, by these resolves, was defined as an organized
group of chapter alumni, while a club was to consist of alumni mem-
bers of several chapters. The Executive Council was also asked to
publish a "Book of Delta Upsilon," while each chapter was instructed
to elect if possible an alumnus as treasurer and create a Chapter
Council. Finally, these resolutions provided that in the future chapter
house projects should be submitted to the Council for advice and sug-
gestion. With the adoption of these resolves the Committee on Internal
Improvement dissolved itself and with this act we close the first section
of this chapter.
In addition to the above resolves the convention adopted another,
which had been submitted by the Committee on Internal Develop-
ment, and this one provided that the alumni members of the Council
should be incorporated. In making this suggestion the Committee was
not blind to the fact that incorporation at the outset would lead to
results that might be intangible and sentimental. On the other hand,
it was believed that much practical good would result, namely that
property could be held with more ease, bequests could be legally
received and that alumni contributions would be more fruitful.
226 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Approximately a month after the convention's action, the Executive
Council listened to a report from Fairbanks as to the nature of incor-
poration. After some discussion Drew W. Hageman, Rutgers '97, was
instructed to take the necessary steps. On May 17, 1905, the certificate
of incorporation was filed at the Secretary of State's Office in Albany
and on May 26 of the same year the Executive Council of Delta Upsilon
was duly incorporated. The purposes for which incorporation had
taken place were stated to be the development of character, friendship,
liberal culture and equity in college affairs, the maintenance of a
permanent organization of Delta Upsilon, and for the purchase and
management of real property by the Executive Council. This body
was to operate in the United States and Canada with its office in New
York City and to have annual meetings on the third Saturday of
November. 354
On the basis of this authority, as well as by the act of the last con-
vention, the Executive Council proceeded to adopt June 27, 1905 the
By-Laws of the Executive Council. Article One of these laws provided
that the name, style and title of the organization was to be the "Execu-
tive Council of Delta Upsilon." Article Two defined membership as
being any graduate member of the Fraternity whose name had been
submitted to this organization at its annual meeting by the Secretary
of the Convention as having been nominated to the Council by the
Convention. No person was to be elected a member of the Executive
Council for a longer time than that elapsing between his election and
the close of the succeeding annual meeting. Article Three determined
the status of those members who were to be known as the Board of
Directors. Six members of the Executive Council, elected yearly by
that body at its annual meeting were to be known as Directors and
were to hold office as long as they were members. In case of the failure
to hold an election, the Directors were to hold office until an annual
election was held. A majority of the Directors constituted a quorum
while annual meetings were to be held at the close of the annual session
of the Executive Council. Article Four provided that special meetings
of either the Executive Council or Directors might be held upon call of
the President or by the Secretary upon his having received a written
request for such by any three members. All motions for special or
annual meetings were to be served upon the members by mail at least
ten days prior to the date set for these gatherings. Article Five con-
cerned the officers of the Executive Council all of whom were to be
** Annual, 1904, Minutes of the Executive Council, Jan. 27, Nov. 26, 1904, June
*7> 1905-
CHARLES G DAWES
MARIETTA '84
VICE-PRES OF THE UNITED STATES
Glinedinst
SERENO E PAYNE
ROCHESTER 64
CONGRESSMAN, AUTHOR OF TARIFF
BILL
ARTHUR M, HYDE
MICHIGAN '99
SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE
lituleiwuid ti Uiu
ARTHUR H VANDENBERG
MICHIGAN 'O4
AUTHOR, EDITOR U S SENATOR
HENRY RANDALL WAITE
HAMILTON *68
ELLIS J THOMAS
WILLIAMS -88
Gludnoff
WILSON L FAIRBANKS
TUFTS '87
FREDERICK M CROSSETT
NEW YORK -84
FRATERNITY BUILDERS
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 227
chosen at the annual session of the Directors. Among these officers
there was to be a President, who was to preside at all meetings of
either the Executive Council or Directors and perform any duties
assigned to him by either body. He was also to be a member ex-officio
of the Directors and a member of all committees, and was to convene
the Directors at such place and time as he saw fit, other than the annual
meeting. The Vice-President was to preside in the absence of the chief
executive and assume all the duties of the latter. The Secretary and
Treasurer of the Executive Council was to be one and the same person.
As Secretary, he was to conduct all general correspondence and attend
meetings of both Council and Directors. In his hands rested the
preservation of the certificate of incorporation, By-Laws, historical
records, seals and minutes of both bodies. As Treasurer, he was to
have the custody of the funds of the Council and pay all bills thereof.
Further, he was to open an account in a bank approved of by the
Directors and to furnish a bond of four thousand dollars for the faith-
ful performance of his duties. In return for his labor, the Secretary
and Treasurer was to receive a sum not greater than three hundred
dollars; no other officer of either board to receive any stipend what-
soever. Article Six provided that vacancies among the officers were to
be filled by a majority vote of the Directors at any regular meeting.
Article Eleven provided that four persons should constitute a quorum
of either the Executive Council or Directors, while Article Twelve
stated that the By-Laws might be amended at any regular or special
meeting of the Directors, provided such amendment had been pre-
sented in writing at a previous meeting. 355
During the Fraternity year 1905-1906 the amount of work under-
taken by the Executive Council and Directors materially increased.
This fact together with a growing demand for more definite allocation
of duties among the members of the Council led that body to propose
to the 1906 Convention that its numbers be increased from six to
eight. The delegates accepted these changes in the Constitution and at
the same time re-defined the list of officers. In the future there was to
be a President, a General Secretary, a General Treasurer, a District
Supervisor, a Secretary to the Alumni, a Chapter House Officer and an
Editor, who had been little more than a "hired man" of the Executive
Council and yet at the same time was one of the strongest factors in
Fraternity progress. These changes were, at a meeting of the Council
in November of the same year, written into the By-Laws of that body
together with a provision that allowed the expenditure of six hundred
355 The missing articles concerned minor matters, see Annual, 1905.
228 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
dollars a year for salaries. 356 No further material changes in the By-
Laws of the Executive Council took place until April 17, 1909. At this
session the Executive Council provided that any member, not merely
a graduate, might become a member and that the term of office con-
tinued until the adjournment of the succeeding meeting. Further the
list of officers was limited to a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary
and a Treasurer, plus such other officers as the Directors might see fit
to elect. Finally, it should be noted that $850.00 might be used for
the payment of salaries. 357
The personnel of the Executive Council from 1905 to 1909, during
which time a number of meetings were held, included Edson S. Harris,
Thornton B. Penfield, Samuel S. Hall, Wilson L. Fairbanks, Harrison
S. Smalley, Arthur E. Bestor, Goldwin Goldsmith, Clifford M. Swan,
Frank W. Leavitt, William O. Miller, Samuel B. Botsford and Dean
C. Mathews. Of these Fairbanks and Smalley served the entire period,
Goldsmith, Hall, Swan and Leavitt for three terms, Harris, Bestor
and Miller for two, while the remainder served for but one term. An
examination of the records of these men either in Executive Council
or Directors' meetings shows that in addition to the usual duties
assigned them by the Constitution of the Fraternity or by their own
By-Laws they handled a number of important matters. Petitions were
received, societies investigated, new chapters installed, and routine
matters such as preparing for convention programs, arranging details
as to insignia and issuing various publications need not detain us at
this point. Other matters such as District Conventions, the Quarterly,
Fraternity Examinations, the revision of the ritual and the tax system
are discussed elsewhere in this volume. In 1905 a test was made by the
Executive Council of the Freshman Information Bureau among the
New England chapters and at Columbia, New York and Hamilton.
The Executive Council believed the solicitation of the names of pros-
pective freshmen from both undergraduates and graduates had been
helpful and that with greater help from the active members a list of
prospective students might be placed in the hands of all of the chapters.
A method of this type would give the chapter a splendid advantage
over its rivals and at the same time do away with much "haphazard
rushing." During the following year the technical aspect of the system
358 At a meeting, Nov. 17, 1906, it was voted that both Secretary and Treasurer
were to receive $100.00 per annum, the balance going to the Editor of the Quar-
terly. The date of the election of the Directors was altered slightly during the years
1906-1909.
857 It was also provided that meetings of the Executive Council or Directors might
be held on consecutive da)s, each gathering being considered a separate meeting.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 229
functioned in a very unsatisfactory manner. The fault for this, accord-
ing to the Executive Council was not in the machinery but rather in
the alumni who did not cooperate as well as they might have. In spite
of this the Executive Council believed that these defects could be
eliminated and the objects of this Freshmen Information Bureau would
be of help to all concerned. During 1907 the work of the Bureau was
continued by Henry E. Chapin with much better results. 358
In the meantime an effort was made to organize an Employment
Bureau. A test was made during the spring of 1905 which resulted in
the dissemination of information relative to certain positions which
interested alumni had called to attention of the Executive Council.
The Council reported this fact to the convention of that year, stating
that it did not know whether any senior had gained employment but
that in any event the present expense of conducting the Bureau had
been too great and that if the delegates desired to have it continued
a less expensive method would have to be adopted. The convention
evidently thought the proposition too good to be dropped and so the
Executive Council was authorized to continue the Bureau. During the
following year the work of this agency was a decided success; over a
quarter of the men who sought positions gained them through this
Bureau. The Executive Council, therefore, did not hesitate to com-
mend the affair to the delegates at the next convention. The next two
years proved most disappointing. In part this was due to the "bad
state of business" throughout the country. As a result of this condition
the continuation of the Bureau was left "contingent upon the outlook
for work."339
The Executive Council also undertook to further the publication of
chapter letters to the alumni. During 1904-1905 fifteen chapters availed
themselves of this offer at a very low cost to themselves and to the
Executive Council. The other groups either managed the work them-
selves or else took no steps to inform their alumni of the life of the
chapter. The Executive Council believed that the experiment had been
a great success. The following year even better results were secured
with the result that the Executive Council recommended to the con-
vention that a new officer be created whose business it would be to
edit these letters and supervise the work of the various alumni groups.
The convention accepted this recommendation by electing a new
member of the Executive Council to be known as the Secretary to
858 Ultimately this Bureau ceased to function and gradually disappeared.
359 On May 29, 1910 the Executive Council feeling that the Bureau could be of
little value, voted to discontinue the same.
230 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the Alumni. Under his direction the work was continued and while a
number of the chapters cooperated with the Executive Council in this
matter the expense and labor was greatly increased by a failure on
the part of the local correspondents to furnish copy in time. The work
was continued during the year 1907-1908, fewer chapters, however,
cooperating with the Executive Council than ever before. The Execu-
tive Council was of the opinion that the chapter that did not "after
our sufficient experience, send a careful, well-printed report . . , is
trifling with its future. What seems only a liability today will be an
asset tomorrow/' The following year a better record was established. 860
In addition to these various efforts the Executive Council between
1905 and 1909 issued leaflets on various matters, and during the first
of these years sought to further the publication of a book entitled "The
Delta Upsilon Book/' The reaction of the chapters to this proposition,
when the costs of the same were made known, were such as to convince
the Executive Council that it would be foolhardy to consider the
matter any further; and with that the matter rested. Some thought
was also given at times to the writing of a history of the Fraternity to
be ready for its 75th anniversary in 1909. And although some valuable
work was done at this time and later, nothing definite was undertaken
until this present volume was conceived. In conclusion it may be said
that the Council, since the report of the Internal Development Com-
mittee in 1904, had organized the Fraternity into districts with officials
and conventions, incorporated the Executive Council, devised a new
accounting system for the treasurer, established a system of chapter
reports to alumni, organized a Freshmen Information and Employ-
ment Bureau, revised the ritual, published a number of tracts and
books, reorganized the insignia, established a more definite system of
obtaining information relative to petitioning societies and enlarged
and improved the Quarterly. In accomplishing this the Fraternity
owed much to the members of the Executive Council, particularly
Hall, Fairbanks, Smalley, Goldsmith, Swan and Leavitt. Generally
speaking these gains were recognized at the time and much credit was
given to the Executive Council by the members of the Fraternity
at large.
The work of the Executive Council, however, did not escape some
criticism. The genesis of this criticism goes back to the Chicago Con-
vention of 1904 at which time the delegates voted to grant Western
880 The Council's help in handling these publications gradually came to an end.
At present these activities are handled by the chapters, concerning which see
below pp. 336-338.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 231
representation on the Council. It appears that this was only the begin-
ning of another attack upon the Council. Now during the next two
years, as has been shown, the worEfof the Executive Council multiplied
enormously, largely as a result of the various tasks undertaken by that
body since the report of the Committee on Internal Improvement.
All of which did not escape the attention of certain Western alumni
who seemed to view with much concern the steady drift towards
greater and greater centralization. One of these finally was encouraged
by his friends to submit for publication in the Quarterly a frank criti-
cism of the Executive Council and of its policy. Not caring to make
this controversy a public affair, the Executive Council supported the
Editor in his refusal to publish the same, even though three of the
mid-western chapters and some of the alumni of that area strongly
voiced their sentiments in favor of publication. The Executive Council,
however, issued the complaint in the form of a circular letter to all
of the chapters, alumni clubs and associations and at the same time
set forth an answer to the various charges that had been made. In
the main the complaint, and it was not void of certain historical and
factual errors, stated that of late there had been too much over-
centralization of power in the hands of the Executive Council and
that the chapters were ceasing to play the role they had in former days.
Further, it was charged that many of the duties undertaken by the
Executive Council were either in themselves unnecessary or else had
failed to accomplish anything worth while. All of which was respon-
sible for an increase in fraternity expenses which the Executive Council
passed on in the form of a chapter tax, a tax moreover that was heavy
and was tending to retard the growth of the chapters. Each and every
one of these accusations appear to have been ably met by the Executive
Council. It was shown that the members of the Executive Council had
increased the work of that body, but only as a result of the vote of the
chapters themselves at convention and that the recent departures in
the form of an Employment Bureau and the like had been justified
by results and by the convention's motion to continue the same. In
respect to financial matters, the Executive Council admitted that its
method of bookkeeping had not been as good as it might be, but that
a more businesslike procedure had been adopted and that existing
defects had been corrected. The Executive Council also pointed out
that the chapter tax was not excessive and that in return the active
members of each chapter received not only the services of the Executive
Council but also the Quarterly and other publications. Finally, it was
stated that part of the small increase in the cost of maintaining the
232 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Fraternity had arisen as a result of granting Western representation
on the Executive Council, and that this increased cost had been urged
by the same individuals who were now finding fault with the Executive
Council. The outcome of this controversy between the Executive Coun-
cil and some of the mid-western chapters and their alumni is quite
interesting. The affair itself, for a time, threatened to come up before
the Minnesota Convention of 1907. On second thought those behind
the criticism quietly folded their arms and after making a bid for
membership on the Executive Council and having failed, said nothing
more. And with that the entire episode was dropped. 361
To the historian the event is of interest, not so much because of the
charges and counter charges, but rather because it represents a distinct
challenge on the part of some towards greater centralization. A drift
in the direction of greater control had been evidenced ever since 1864
and while some opposition had appeared here and there the move-
ment itself had steadily gone forward. The complaints of 1905 to 1907
stand therefore as the first and only serious rift in the historical move-
ment towards a centralized governing board. Had the chapters sup-
ported this attack it might have been that the Fraternity system would
have gone back to the days when the Executive Council was but a
weak arm of a convention in which undergraduates had extensive
powers and rights. It is more likely, however, that what would have
happened would have been merely a change in personnel at head-
quarters, the new members representing the group which had chal-
lenged the Executive Council. And once installed this new body would
have found that Delta Upsilon had not been and could not in the
future remain a static, conservative society, and if it wished to live up
to its glorious past and ideals, the conduct of Fraternity affairs would
have to be placed in the hands of mature and experienced alumni.
In other words the historical trend towards the creation of centralizing
devices could not be checked by the criticism of those who poorly
understood the past, present and future in respect to Delta Upsilon.
On his return from the Minnesota Convention Fairbanks remarked
in a letter to Hall that it might be wise to try and organize a society of
the Executive Council for the purpose of having an annual dinner and
meeting. At this gathering, Fairbanks proposed, that a careful survey
might be made of Fraternity topics. Out of this simple suggestion
arose a movement that ultimately led the Fraternity to incorporation,
December 10, 1909, which in itself is the best historical argument
which may be presented to prove that the members of Delta Upsilon
861 See the files of the Council for 1905-1907 in respect to this matter.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 233
were behind the ever-present drift towards greater centralization. With
the incorporation of Delta Upsilon, the Executive Council entered into
the third and last period of its work. 302
The structure and detail powers of the Council, as outlined in the
Constitution and By-Laws of 1909 in accordance with the act of in-
corporation, have been presented in an earlier chapter. It only remains
to record such changes as took place since that date. The Executive
Council, acting as it did under powers definitely conferred upon it
either by the organic law, or resolutions of the convention, never set
down any formal rules for its own conduct; the only changes there-
fore that took place in respect to structure were those effected by
amendment or resolution. In 1912 the constitution was altered so as
to provide for nine members, six of whom were to be alumni, no two
of whom were to be from the same chapter and at least two of whom
were to reside west of Buffalo; the other three were to be under-
graduates. The alumni members were to hold office for a term of
three years, the present body to determine their service by lot. Out-
side of this change no alteration took place until the Convention of
1951 except in respect to the work of the Executive Council. These
alterations chiefly concerned the question of suspension or expulsion
of members, the power of calling special conventions, the control over
equalization of railroad rates and other matters already touched upon
in other chapters. Further, in 1910 the Executive Council was au-
thorized to spend not more than a thousand dollars a year on the
salaries of its officers. Two years later it was given power to prepare
an annual budget of Fraternity expenses and income and have far-
reaching control over District Conventions. The last meeting of the
Executive Council took place September 10, 1921 and in its place there
was substituted the present body known as the Council of Delta
Upsilon.
During the period from December 10, 1909 to September 10, 1921
the Executive Council busied itself with many matters incident to
fraternity work and policy. Its personnel consisted chiefly of Clifford
M. Swan, Clifford G. Roe, Harry A. Hey, Herbert I. Markham, Dean
C. Mathews, John P. Broomell, and Herbert Wheaton Congdon. Swan
held office from 1909 to 1916; Roe from 1911 to 1916; Hey from 1912
to 1914, and 1916 to 1919, Markham from 1912 to 1920, Mathews from
1909 to 1919, Broomell from 1913 to 1921, and Congdon from 1914
to 1921. Fairbanks, Smalley, Goldsmith, Botsford, Bovie, Laidlaw,
Banigan, Schreiner, Leach and Howes also served for at least one term
383 See above pp. 190-192 for details relative to this incorporation.
234 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
as alumni members. During these twelve years thirty-six different un-
dergraduates served on the Executive Council of whom only Thomas
F. Black served more than one term. One of these undergraduates,
Warren C. Du Bois, later took an active part in Fraternity work, serv-
ing as Chairman for five years. During 1909 the Executive Council
paid its Secretary $250 and its Treasurer $100, and was also responsible
for the payment of $500 to the Editor of the Quarterly and Decennial.
The following year the salary of the Treasurer was raised to $250,
while in 1911 the two offices were combined with a salary of $300.
At the same time the amount paid to the Editor of the Quarterly and
Decennial was raised to 1700. No change took place in this arrange-
ment until October, 1913, when the Executive Council voted to pay
500 to its Secretary and Treasurer, and an equal amount to the Trus-
tees for a General Secretary, the responsibility for the above two pub-
lications having been removed from the jurisdiction of the Executive
Council in the meantime. Beginning a year later the Executive Coun-
cil agreed to pay the same amounts for its own two officers and a
dollar and a half to the Trustees for each undergraduate subscription
to the Quarterly. This arrangement was not altered during the remain-
ing period of the life of the Executive Council except that in 1920
the salaries of the Secretary and Treasurer were raised to $350 each.
A share of these payments went to meet the expenses of the Execu-
tive Council in the promotion of its work which included a large
number of activities such as the investigation of the Princeton Chapter
as well as of the conditions at Harvard and Columbia, the expulsion
and suspension of members, the editing of various publications, the
work incident to the revision of the insignia, ritual and constitution,
the work of chapter visitations and welfare, and Fraternity examina-
tions; all of these matters being discussed elsewhere in this volume.
Two other activities of the Executive Council should be referred to
at this point one of which was the passage of a resolution providing
that no member of Delta Upsilon could become a member of Theta
Nu Epsilon, Theta Xi, Delta Chi or Acacia. The other concerns
BroomelFs resolution of December 14, 1919 relative to the creation
of an Internal Development Board. The Executive Council approved
of this idea and a committee was appointed to undertake this work.
A preliminary report was rendered a year later. On April 9, 1921 the
Committee made a more extensive report in which it pointed out that
it had issued a questionnaire to some four hundred and ten persons
and that certain significant facts had been drawn. Most of this ma-
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 235
terial relates to the internal life and work within the various chapters
and is discussed at some length in a later part of this volume.
The abolition of the Executive Council in late 1921 and the crea-
tion of a new body known as the Council came as the result of certain
constitutional changes effective that year. The primary reason for this
modification is to be found in the desire of that body and of the other
governing boards to revise the entire structure of the central govern-
ment with a view of greater efficiency in Fraternity work and policy.
The Council hereafter was to consist of nine members appointed by
the President and were to hold office for one year or until the next
annual meeting of the Trustees. The powers of this body remained
much the same as they had been in the immediate past plus whatever
duties the Trustees, Directors or President might delegate to it. Annual
reports were to be submitted, as before, by the Council to the Trus-
tees, Directors and Convention. No material changes, if any, have
taken place in the structure and powers of this body since igsi. 363
On the basis of its annual reports to the above-mentioned bodies,
and on a study of its minutes and correspondence, it will be seen that
the Council was a most active body. It is true that it no longer con-
cerned itself with an investigation of petitioning societies, this duty
being assigned to a special committee of the Fraternity; nor did it
handle to the extent that it had before the question of finance. And
yet the actual work undertaken by this body was enormous. Most of
this related to the internal life of the chapters such as campus ac-
tivities, Fraternity examinations, chapter scholarship, chapter publica-
tions, provincial conferences and the like, all of which are given spe-
cial treatment elsewhere in this volume. There were two activities,
however, that deserve special consideration and of these none prob-
ably was more significant and dramatic than that which concerned
the status of the Harvard Chapter.
Shortly before 1915 the officers of the Fraternity had their attention
called to the Harvard Chapter where there seems to have grown an
attitude of mind that was not entirely in keeping with the spirit
and ideals of Delta Upsilon. An analysis of the evidence leads to two
general conclusions as to antecedents of this affairs; first that the
Harvard Chapter had come to look upon itself as something quite
apart from Delta Upsilon, and second, that the members of this chap-
ter could see little reason for paying taxes to the Fraternity for services
that were neither wanted or needed. In other words the Harvard men
363 The presiding officer of this body was a President. In addition there was a
Secretary, who drew no salary for his work.
236 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
placed small value upon the Fraternity and were quite reluctant to
support an organization which seemed to them to be so out of tune
with the atmosphere and spirit of Cambridge. 364 How long these ideas
had been developing is difficult to state. It is, however, well established
that by the fall of 1914 a well cemented group within the chapter
was openly talking about the formation of the "Duck Club" and of
presenting to the convention the resignation of the Harvard Chapter
from the Fraternity. 365 It is probably true that the chapter itself had
had but few opportunities to hear, feel and appreciate the spirit and
ideals of Delta Upsilon. Left much to themselves, except for visita-
tions from national officers and alumni, many of whom seem to have
been saturated with the same idea of self-sufficiency, the chapter had
grown exceedingly skeptical of membership in Delta Upsilon. And
yet, none of the chapters enjoyed any better conditions. Chapter
solidarity and chapter loyalty to the Fraternity rests upon the con-
duct of the active members, the support of the alumni and the effi-
ciency of the national organization. Within the limits of its budget
the Fraternity Officers did all they could to further the growth of the
society and its ideals and upon no one chapter did it ever shower any
favoritism. Harvard, therefore, shared alike with the other chapters
in whatever benefits accrued from the Fraternity headquarters. Again,
if the alumni of other chapters took a greater interest in the well-being
of their own society than did those of Harvard, the latter only had
itself to blame. Now as a matter of fact the older alumni of this chapter
had given splendid proof of their loyalty both to the Fraternity and
to the chapter in more ways than one. But recently they had con-
tributed to the construction of a new chapter house. The general
Fraternity and the older alumni, therefore, may be excused from any
responsibility for the condition that the Harvard Chapter found itself
in in 1914. On the other hand the younger alumni and the active
members must shoulder practically all the blame. By creating an atti-
tude of self-sufficiency they had withdrawn themselves from the Fra-
ternity ideal.
Small wonder was it, therefore, that these men found the ties of
Delta Upsilon out of tune with their own desires and objectives. Ac-
cordingly, the Quarterly Correspondent of Harvard requested the
'"Speaking of the recent convention held at Harvard in 1891 a correspondent
stated that the chapter questioned the effects of that meeting on its position at
Cambridge. The impression while favorable still led the writer to state that "it
may be impossible for the Fraternity ideal to gain such power in Harvard as it
has elsewhere'*; see Quarterly, X:22.
883 S. Howe to C. Swan, Nov. 3, 1914.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 237
Editor-in-Chief to discontinue sending all but two copies of the Quar-
terly. The reasons assigned for this strange action were that the extra
copies "litter up the House" and because "It is against Harvard cus-
toms to carry them to the fellows' private dormitories." Harvard was
at once reminded of its obligations to the constitution which required
each chapter to subscribe for as many copies as it had undergraduates.
Further the chapter was informed that it was quite odd to hear that
any Delta U. was ashamed to have the Quarterly in his own room. 366
Copies of the magazine were sent as before, though what the local
group did with them is not known. In any event the general Fraternity
had taken a position that must have convinced the Harvard men that
they could not cut themselves off from Delta Upsilon without some
kind of a contest.
Sometime in April, 1915, the Harvard Chapter showed its hands
by voting to sound out its alumni on the proposition of secession.
About the same time, maybe a day or two before, the Council dis-
cussed the situation and appointed a committee of three to serve as
Alumni Advisors for the next three years. In other words the Council
seems to have taken the ground that it would be better to allow the
problem to be settled at Cambridge rather than at New York. To
what extent this committee functioned can not be stated as no fur-
ther reference to that body appears in any of our sources. Agitation,
however, continued at Harvard. In June, 1915, that chapter raised
the question of Fraternity badges. It was claimed by these men that
they were known on their campus by their own medal and not by that
of Delta Upsilon. Accordingly the wearing of the official Fraternity
badge had practically been done away with, while the use of a medal
was in keeping with Harvard practices. Tradition, in other words,
approved of the display of the emblems of the various existing clubs
rather than of the fraternities. In view of this, plus the fact the chapter
was loaded with expenses incident to the new house, a sentiment had
grown against the use of the Delta Upsilon badge. Conscious, however,
of their pledges and constitutional obligations, the chapter decided
not to force an issue. Rather did it seek to instill into the minds of
the Fraternity Officers that it would be "unwise to attempt to compel
them to buy a four dollar pin which they will not use and do not
want." Harvard, in so many words, asked the Fraternity to leave them
alone and allow them to quietly withdraw from an association which
to them was void of meaning and value.
888 S. Howe to G. Swan, Jan. 9, 1915, C. H. Smith to Quarterly, Dec. 28, 1914, C.
Swan to C. H. Smith, Feb. 20, 1915,
238 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Swan, who at that time was President of the Fraternity, very ably
met this cleverly conceived attack. In a very courteous letter he replied
that while he understood the attitude of the Harvard men, he could
not see how anyone who had taken the Fraternity pledge could possibly
entertain ideas which were saturated with disloyalty to Delta Upsilon.
The chapter's answer, while admitting Swan's position to be both
liberal and logical, still stressed the lack of any great attachment to the
badge, especially in view of the expenses incident to the new house.
It was the opinion of the correspondent, however, that once this financial
stress was over the question of buying badges would be settled to the
satisfaction of the Fraternity. By implication this overture stated that
if the Fraternity would only shut its eyes to the Harvard practice of not
buying badges in due time the Chapter would purchase the same even
though its members would continue to elevate their medal above the
badge. After some consideration Swan, acting in conjunction with
Broomell, decided to let the matter rest until the fall convention at
which time a settlement might be secured. 307
The Harvard delegate to the Cornell Convention of 1915 was "a
most reasonable man and seemed to gain an inspiration for the Fra-
ternity that promised well upon his return to Harvard," at least this is
what one of the Fraternity Officers believed. The convention had paid
no official attention to the problem, though it is well established that
the Council endeavored in many ways to impress the Harvard repre-
sentative of the importance of membership in the Fraternity. Quiet
conversations and mild suggestions seem to have been the tactics pur-
sued by those in control of Delta Upsilon. Increased contact, moreover,
was stimulated by the officers between the Harvard group and other
Delta U's at New York, Providence and elsewhere. Publicity as to the
meritorious dramatic efforts of the Harvard men appeared in the Quar-
terly. All of this was deliberately conceived in the hope of being able
to inspire the Harvard men with a feeling of greater loyalty to Delta
Upsilon. The net result of these activities led the Fraternity Officers to
believe that the matter had been smoothed over and that Harvard
quite willingly assumed its proper place in Fraternity work and life.
In 1917, however, a storm broke that plunged the Fraternity deeper
into the problem than ever before. The actual details of this contest,
that harassed the Fraternity for more than a decade, need not detain
us. Suffice it to say that the Harvard Chapter or at least a great majority
of its active and more recent alumni, became convinced that the society
367 H. P. Weston to Swan, June 26, Aug. 14, 1915, Swan to Weston, July 27, 1915,
Broomell to Swan, June 29, 1915, Howe to Patterson, April 13, 1915,
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 239
should sever its relation with Delta Upsilon. For a time the Council
and Trustees tried to forestall this crisis by effecting a compromise with
the local group. This compromise permitted the existence of two theo-
retically undergraduate organizations: the "D. U. Club" which con-
sisted of practically all the undergraduates, and the Chapter which
included only a small percentage of the undergraduates. This arrange-
ment, after a few years' trial, became distasteful to the Harvard men
who seemed to have concluded that it was impossible to foster the
fraternity idea in "an atmosphere where the idea became more and
more foreign and exotic to the local club scheme." Accordingly, these
men circularized the alumni, April 24, 1922, for an expression of opin-
ion on the question "Shall Harvard D. U. leave the National Fraternity
and become a local Club." Accompanying this circular was a list of
reasons given for this action and the names of one hundred and seventy-
four members who were in favor of withdrawal. If the referendum
favored withdrawal, then the chapter proposed to gain the consent of
three-fourths of the chapters in convention and of three-fourths of the
Trustees at a meeting of the corporation. Conscious of the fact that
they had no assurance that the convention and the Trustees would per-
mit withdrawal, they still believed that once it was known that the
great majority of Harvard alumni favored an independent existence,
then all opposition would vanish. The promoters of this scheme were
also aware that the ownership of the house and house fund might
legally still belong to the Fraternity. They believed, however, that the
Trustees of the house and fund would, if separation were once effected,
"feel morally obliged to designate to the College that the Club-House
and Fund shall be used for the purpose of the seceded Chapter." 368
A copy of the above circular was addressed by the Board of Directors,
to the Trustees and to the convention on August 25, 1922. Along with
this copy went a letter signed by Thomas C. Miller, in which he very
briefly reviewed the Harvard situation. He also pointed out that Delta
Upsilon was but one of the ten Greek letter fraternities at Cambridge,
of which but one was not a member of the Inter-Fraternity Conference.
In addition there were nine professional fraternities, five honorary ones,
five graduate clubs and at least two locals, all of which Miller con-
tended completely exploded the idea that the fraternity spirit did not
exist at Harvard. To Miller it appeared that for some time past the
personnel of the chapter had been recruited from those who were in
opposition to fraternities and were thus pledged to a policy of separa-
888 Quoted in a letter from T. C. Miller to the Trustees and Convention, Aug.
15* 1922-
240 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
tion. In view of these factors, Miller in behalf of the Directors proposed
that the convention should allow all those who wished so to sever their
relations with the Fraternity. Because the constitution forbade this
except through expulsion the delegates were asked to come prepared
to vote favorably upon an amendment that would allow resignation,
when in the opinion of the Directors such resignations would be for
the good of all concerned. 369
At the 1922 Convention considerable debate took place relative to
the Harvard matter with the result that the amendment was voted
down, sixteen ayes to twenty-nine nays. In lieu thereof the convention
unanimously adopted resolutions, which had been introduced by
Stanley Howe, Harvard '08, to the effect that the Harvard Chapter be
continued and the Fraternity aid those loyal members of the same who
were seeking to maintain the society in the face of present difficulties.
It is evident, therefore, that the delegates viewed the Directors' pro-
posal with doubt, questioning, thereby, the advisability of permitting
resignation from the Fraternity. At the same time the representatives
accepted the implication outlined in Miller's letter that the Harvard
Chapter be continued.
After an interval of several months in which it was hoped that as the
result of visits to Cambridge by loyal alumni and Fraternity Officers
the matter might be cleared up, the Directors unanimously resolved to
take the necessary steps to restore the chapter to its former rights and
privileges, as well as to the ownership of all property which rightfully
belonged to it. It was also voted that the Council might, if it so desired,
proceed to compel the performance of all duties required of the Har-
vard Chapter to the Fraternity. This last point is of significance in
that it provided that the future handling of the Harvard Chapter might
be taken out of the hands of the local group and placed in that of the
Fraternity.
For the next two years the Fraternity and the Trustees of the Harvard
House attempted to settle the affair by taking steps towards the occupa-
tion of the House. This procedure together with a plan for rehabilitat-
ing the chapter by pledging men loyal to Delta Upsilon was met by
the Harvard group filing a petition in the Superior Court of Boston
restraining the Fraternity from possessing the House. As a result a suit
was begun that was finally brought to an end in the late summer of
1938. At that time the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts handed
down a decision confirming the Harvard Chapter, and not the Har-
vard D. U. Club, in the possession of the House. In the meantime the
*Idem.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 241
Council and the Directors had preferred formal charges against the
rebellious members of the chapter, which charges the local group re-
fused to answer on the ground that they never had been members of
the Delta Upsilon Fraternity Incorporated and that this incorporation
had no control whatsoever over their society which was merely the
Harvard Chapter of Delta Upsilon. In other words, the present cor-
poration had been illegally created and was not a successor or a con-
tinuance of Delta Upsilon Fraternity, an "unincorporated voluntary
association." The position taken by these men represented a legal point
which was dismissed by the Superior Court at Boston on historical
evidence that was as sound as it was legal. Having refused to meet
these charges, the Council and Directors proceeded to suspend the Har-
vard Chapter, after which the Council formally took over the conduct
of that society. New members were elected and initiated by the Council.
These members, subject to the advice and counsel of a Harvard Ad-
visory Committee, were in time restored to their proper standing in the
Fraternity. Further at the beginning of the academic year 1929 the
chapter moved into the Harvard House., From that time on the Harvard
Chapter has functioned as a lawful member of Delta Upsilon, though
it is still subject to the Advisory Committee. 370
To the historian the significance of this dispute is not merely to be
found in the above details but rather in the fact that the Fraternity had
met a serious crisis. This crisis centered about the dispute as to whether
a chapter could nullify and then secede from the Fraternity, and
whether members of the Fraternity could sever their pledges and obli-
gations by resignation. Both of these points were decisively settled in a
negative manner. Once a member of the Fraternity always a member,
so the principle was stated, unless that person had been expelled for
violation of pledges and obligations. Furthermore it is clear that the
Incorporated Fraternity represents an organization which through the
constitution exercises a far-reaching control over the chapters even to
the point of suspending a chapter for the time being.
In the meantime the Council had devoted considerable attention to
the matter of the Alumni Boards. These Boards date back to the sum-
mer of 1917 and thus had their start under the direction of the old
Executive Council. At that time it will be recalled America had entered
the World War* Aware of the fact that during the Civil War or imme-
diately thereafter several of the chapters became inactive, and fearful
370 The rebellious members were not expelled and are, therefore, from the point
of view of the Fraternity, members. On the other hand, these men have largely
refused to admit this fact and continue to exist at Harvard as the D. U. Club.
242 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
there might now be a repetition, the Council very wisely proceeded to
create Alumni Boards on the basis of nominations submitted by the
chapters. To these Boards a circular letter was sent in July in which
the purpose and duties of these Boards was outlined. According to this
letter the Boards were to cooperate with the chapters in the conduct
of local affairs as long as the war continued and in the event a chapter
might find itself unable to function properly, then the Board was to
step in and perform all the duties that normally fell to the chapter.
It was to safeguard the chapter records and property and watch over
the moral welfare of the society during the stress of war. As General
Supervisor of these units Joseph Banigan was appointed for the ensuing
year. Congdon and Leach held this office during 1918 and 1919. The
work done by these men and the local boards was of invaluable service
to the Fraternity. For the time they became the only connection be-
tween the general Fraternity and the chapters, some of whom became
almost inactive and in other cases entirely so. No convention, more-
over, was held in 1918 which made the Alumni Boards of greater value
than they otherwise would have been.
Upon the cessation of hostilities in 1919 the Council fully convinced
of the essential value of these Boards determined to continue them. It
was the intention of the Council that these alumni would maintain
dose and happy contacts between the Fraternity and the faculty, de-
velop a close bond of interest and sympathy between the chapter and
the alumni, assist individual members of the chapter "along broad
lines" and cultivate sound business methods in all chapter activities.
As a connecting link the Supervisor of these Alumni Boards was to
receive reports from the same and on the basis of this submit an annual
statement to the Executive Council. At the Chicago Convention, 1920,
Dorsey A. Lyon, Stanford, was appointed to this office, a position that
he filled in a most able manner from then until his retirement in
1926. During these years Lyon organized the Boards, which after 1922
were known as Chapter Councillors, so that they were to give special
attention to scholarship, finances and chapter records. To these Coun-
cillors Lyon mailed blank forms which were to be returned to him in
ample time for his report to the Council. Further, Lyon, in view of his
own connection with the United States Department of Commerce,
was able to visit personally a number of the chapters and in this way
stimulate the boards to greater activity and at the same time gather
information relative to chapter and alumni life. On the basis of this
evidence considerable valuable material was gathered for the conduct
of general Fraternity policy, material, moreover, which furnishes the
FIRST DELTA UPSILON CHAPTER HOUSE
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THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 243
historian splendid data for a treatment of chapter life. In the spring
of 1936, Lyon gave up his work and from that time on the duties of
Supervisor have been held by the Executive Secretary of the Fraternity.
In the main, it may be concluded, that the Chapter Boards and Coun-
cillors have effected worthwhile results for both the alumni and the
chapters in their respective relations to themselves, the Fraternity and
the faculties.
Finally, it remains to note that the Council, continuing the work of
the Executive Council, sought to promote greater unity between the
chapters, alumni and the general Fraternity by creating the office of a
field or travelling secretary. Prior to the inception of the Executive
Council the Fraternity seems to have made no attempt to knit the
chapters together by means of a field officer. In 1886, however, the
Executive Council reported to the convention the need of chapter
visitations by some member of the Council or by a special committee
appointed for that purpose. The Convention, however, seems to have
paid little attention to this suggestion and for the next fifteen years no
official action in this respect was taken. On the other hand the Execu-
tive Council at various times attemptecL to visit some of the chapters.
At best, however, this work was either limited to those societies near
to New York or was conducted in a most spasmodic manner. It is evi-
dent from an examination of the Annual and the Quarterly as well as
the records of the Executive Council that very little thought was given
to the matter. Beginning with 1901 the Executive Council endeavored
to improve the situation by either having its own members or inter-
ested alumni visit as many chapters as possible. The results were so
encouraging that in 1901 there appears in the list of the Executive
Council's officers a Field Secretary. This officer, assisted by members of
the Executive Council, especially the District Supervisor, managed to
visit a large number of the chapters during the next few years. Even
though this procedure was a great improvement over the older order
it was evident to those who were interested in the idea that something
more ought to be done. In the report of the Executive Council for the
year 1907-1908 the suggestion was made that a Travelling Secretary be
secured, the cost of which would probably run around two thousand
dollars. While the delegates and officers of the Fraternity seem to have
given this thought during the next few years, visitation seems largely
to have been done by the old officer, the Field Secretary, who during
most, if not all, of the time was Thornton B. Penfield of the Council.
By November, 1911, however, the Trustees who had given the matter
considerable thought, created a new officer in the person of a Perma-
244 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
nent Secretary. The first man to hold this position was Sheldon J.
Howe, Brown '08, who took over the work on November 28. Howe's
duties consisted of attending to the great amount of office work which
heretofore had been largely handled by the Secretary of the Council,
of gathering material and keeping on file proper information relative
to the Fraternity's catalogue work, of handling to a great extent the
work of the Quarterly and finally of being the "Walking Delegate of
the Fraternity, as I have been called." Howe remained in this office
unfil late October, 1913, at which time he was compelled as a result
of personal considerations to resign. Both the Trustees and Executive
Council, as well as the chapters, had come to appreciate the high qual-
ity of work that Howe had performed and the great value to the Fra-
ternity in the office itself.
Howe's office does not appear to have been filled and for the next
few years chapter visitation was undertaken by the officers of the Fra-
ternity. In the meantime the Council and the Trustees had discussed
the need of a permanent Travelling Secretary. By the close of 1916
joint committees of these bodies had worked out a scheme which was
referred to the chapters for their consideration. The chapters were
asked to express their preference as to how the expense of this office
might be met. On the basis of their returns Broomell reported to the
Council, April 14, 1917, that nine chapters favored a per capita tax
of $2.50, two wished that Biennial Conventions be held by means of
which sums would be saved for the maintenance of this office, while
twenty-five of the chapters voted to meet the expense by reducing the
chapter delegation to conventions to but one person. Accordingly, the
Council directed this matter to the convention which in 1917 amended
the Constitution so as to provide for one delegate conventions. At
about the same time both the Council and the Directors agreed to
place in their budget an item to help take care of the expenses of a
Travelling Secretary. On February i, 1918, the Trustees closed an
agreement with Herbert Wheaton Congdon to act as a Travelling Secre-
tary on a full time basis at a salary of $2500 plus expenses. 371 For a
time the control over this office was vested in both the Council and
the Trustees but after December 13, 1919, the entire proposition was
placed in the hands of a joint committee consisting of the President of
the Fraternity, President of the Council, Chairman of the Directors
and Secretary of the Council. Congdon remained in office until May i,
1924, and although part of his work incident to the corporation was
filled by Ammerman, the work of field secretary was allowed to lapse.
371 This office seems to have been more technically known as the General Secretary.
THE COUNCIL IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY 245
Late in October of the same year Dorsey A. Lyon assumed some of the
duties relative to a Travelling Secretary, an arrangement, however,
which was terminated by the appointment of Russell H, Anderson,
Wesleyan '20, to the office of Executive Secretary in April, 1925. As
Executive Secretary, Anderson visited the various chapters and alumni
groups until late August, 1929. The type of work rendered by Ander-
son and Congdon was of immense value to the Fraternity. Any one
who came in contact with these men on their "swing around the cir-
cuit" could not help but appreciate how loyal these officers had been
to the Fraternity whose interests and welfare they ever have held
uppermost in their minds.
Elmer A. Glenn, Rutgers '24, became Executive Secretary upon
Anderson's retirement. Glenn continued in this office until late August,
1931, when the duties of the Travelling Secretary were transferred to
John D. Scott, Chicago '11, who as Supervisor of Chapter Councillors
had already demonstrated considerable ability in contacts with the
chapters. Scott, officially, did not become Executive Secretary, this office
not being filled for the time being. As the matter now stands the tasks
formerly consigned to that office are now being attended to by Scott,
a Vice-President of the Fraternity.
Our account of the activities of the Council has now been brought
up to date. It will be seen that the Council, historically, is the suc-
cessor of the Executive Council. Prior to 1909 the Executive Council
represents the chief and most vital centralizing force in the Fraternity.
After that date, and more particularly since late 1921, the role played
by this body has gradually decreased. 372 Although from a Constitu-
tional point of view it still is clothed with power of significance, many
of its former tasks have been handed over to the Trustees and above
all to the Directors. At present an examination of the sources relative
to Council work reveals that its major activity concerns the life and
well-being of the chapters. Discussion of these vital matters is taken
up in a later section of this volume.
373 For example, in October, 1913, the Council transferred to the Trustees the
entire work incident to alumni activities.
Chapter XII
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE BOARDS OF TRUSTEES AND DIRECTORS
THE GRADUATE BOARD AND FIELD SECRETARY BOARD ON PETI-
TIONING SOCIETIES THE FINANCE BOARD
Incorporation o Delta Upsilon in 1909 resulted among other
JL things in the creation of two new governing bodies, the Board of
Trustees and the Board of Directors. According to the constitution
adopted that year there was to be an annual meeting of representatives
of chapter districts; a district being defined as an active chapter. Those
qualified to vote in these elections, which were to be held when the
chapters desired, included all active and alumni members of the chap-
ter. Only alumni of over two years' standing were eligible for election,
the procedure of which called for nominations signed by three members
and these nominations were sent ten days in advance to the authorized
electors. The vote itself was to be returned to the chapter secretary
who in turn was to notify by proper certification the Trustees as to
the representative chosen. Delegates of chapter districts were to assem-
ble annually in November, or such time as the Trustees might set, for
the purpose of conducting Fraternity business. In addition to making
rules for its own government, this body was empowered to act upon
all amendments to either the constitution or by-laws passed by the
convention, to adjourn their meeting from such time or place as might
be agreed upon, to pass upon credentials of all members, to be the
judge of all district elections and to elect representatives for any dis-
trict that might have failed to do so. The Trustees were also to elect
from their number the members of the Board of Directors, assign
work to the Directors, choose additional national officers, and by
three-fourths vote admit petitioning societies to membership in the
Fraternity. According to the wording of the constitution this last-
named power was to be exercised in conjunction with the convention,
either body being privileged to act first, though approval by both was
necessary. Chapters might have their charters withdrawn by action of
246
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 247
the convention concurred in by three-fourths of the Trustees, who were
entitled to two seats at every national gathering. The Trustees were
also authorized to form alumni associations.
On the basis of these various provisions the Board of Trustees met
for the first time, February 8, 1910, at the Republican Club, 58 West
4oth Street, New York City. From then on for a period of nearly three
years very few changes of importance were made affecting the consti-
tutional structure and powers of the Trustees. Among these alterations
should be mentioned one which provided that a delegate was to hold
office for three years. This change was made in 1910. The following
year the control over the Quarterly was transferred from the conven-
tion to the Trustees, while in 1912 it was provided that chapter district
elections were to be held some rime between May i and June 30. At
the same time the annual meeting of the Trustees was fixed at some
date in November as decided upon at a previous assembly. No further
alterations took place until 1919 when it was stated that appeals in all
cases of suspension or expulsion were to go to the Trustees, whose deci-
sion was to be considered final and conclusive. Two years later the
Fraternity revised its constitution and by-laws. Among the changes
affecting the Trustees should be noted that which defined alumni
electors. Heretofore the organic law did not state precisely whether an
alumnus was a member of the district in which he lived or that of his
chapter. It was now decided that unless an alumnus had affiliated with
a chapter he was to be considered as qualified to vote only in his own
chapter district. Elections, which had been set for any time between
May i and June 30, were now to take place between March i and
July i. All Fraternity officers, by the organic law of 1921, were to be
chosen annually by the Trustees, and of these officers the President
was to preside at all Trustee meetings, while the Secretary was to keep
a record of all gatherings of the Trustees. The Trustees were also to
receive reports from the Council, the Graduate Board and the Finance
Committee, to all of whom the Trustees might assign work as desired.
At the same time it was decided that the delegates of this body, which
were to be chosen by the Directors, could not vote at convention on
all matters affecting the granting or withdrawal of charters and the
amending of the constitution or by-laws; their right, however, to vote
on these affairs in Trustees' meetings was not touched.
The necessary expenses of the Trustees' delegates to convention were
allowed for the first time by the constitution of 1921. Finally, it should
be noted that the power to form alumni associations and clubs was
248 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
transferred from the Trustees to the Directors. Between 1921 and 1933
the following constitutional changes have affected the Trustees. In
1933, the date of their annual meeting was moved from November to
October, while the following year the newly created Board on Petition-
ing Societies was required to submit a yearly report to the Trustees.
In 1930 the Trustee of each chapter was given power to collect and
receive any money or property bequeathed or devised to the chapter.
No further alterations have taken place since that date. No better
statement of the existing arrangement of this body may be found than
in the Manual According to this source: 373
As the Trustees are alumni and lepresentative of the mature business
men of Delta Upsilon, and as only one-third are elected annually, they
offer an assurance to all members of the Fraternity of the stability,
judgment and responsibility that invite the confidence of all who desire
to contribute to the support of our brotherhood. The purpose of es-
tablishing this responsible body was to enable the Fraternity to under-
take the work that the Convention . . . was not qualified to assume.
So it was the object of reorganization to preserve to the Convention of
undergraduate delegates all the rights and privileges which it has
enjoyed in the past. The Convention is continued, and so far as those
things wherein it has legislated in the past are concerned, the Trustees
may not legislate. New 'Districts' (new chapters) may not be created
without the consent of the Chapters attending Convention; nor may a
change be made in the Constitution or By-Laws without a concurrent
vote of the Convention. Thus the Convention reserves to itself all of
its former powers, subject only to the concurring vote of the Trustees
in the Annual Assembly, who as the legal representative of the Fra-
ternity must make the final and legal decision. The Assembly is thus
in effect the 'upper house* of our Legislature.
The executive arm of the Fraternity is the Board of Directors, a body
which was created by the 1909 constitution. According to that law the
Trustees were to elect from their number fifteen men who were to
constitute a permanent committee of the Trustees, this committee be-
ing known as the Directors. The term of office was limited to three
years, one-third retiring each year. This body was to have charge of
all affairs of the Fraternity and such matters as might be assigned it by
the Trustees. All meetings of the Directors were to be presided over
by the President of the Fraternity, while all records of these gatherings
were to be kept by the Fraternity Secretary. Under the authority of
the Directors, the Treasurer of the Fraternity was to handle all of the
financial life of the Fraternity. No additional powers were allotted to
Manual (1929), pp. 35-36.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 249
the Directors until 1919 at which time they were allowed to expell or
suspend any member from the Fraternity upon a three-fourths vote. 374
Two years later a number of minor changes were made, such as re-
quiring the Directors to make an annual report to the Trustees and
giving to them the power to fill any vacancy that might arise in their
body. The President of the Fraternity, who heretofore was to preside
at all Directors' meetings, now was declared to be only an ex-officio
member of the Directors, at the head of which was a chairman. To
the Directors annual reports were to be made by the Council, Commit-
tee on Finance and Graduate Board. At the same time the control
over the founding and management of all alumni clubs and associations
was vested in the Directors. Finally, it should be noticed that in 1931
the control of the Quarterly was lodged in the hands of the Directors.
Since 1921 a few changes have been made. In 1924, for example, the
chairman of the Directors was empowered to appoint the newly cre-
ated Board on Petitioning Societies which body was to make a yearly
report to the Directors. At the same time, upon recommendation of
the Council, the Directors might withdraw a chapter's charter and
dissolve the district; or it might delegate to the Council full power
to handle all of the affairs of a chapter in case that society had been
suspended for any reason. Again in 1931 the Chairman of the Board
of Directors was declared to be a Fraternity Officer. Since this time no
changes have been made in the constitutional provisions relative to
the Board of Directors.
An analysis of the constitutional changes cited above will show that
since 1909 the Board of Directors has steadily out-distanced the Trustees
in power and significance. This has also been true in respect to the
Directors and the Council; indeed the guiding force of the Fraternity
at present is the Board of Directors, although from a constitutional
point of view it is responsible to the Trustees. This assumption is well
illustrated by an examination of the minutes of these three governing
boards. The Trustees, as has been noted, met for the first time in
February, 1910, at which time provision was made for permanent or-
ganization and for the establishment of the Board of Directors. During
the years that followed the Trustees at their meetings handled matters
incident to the granting of charters, amending the constitution and
by-laws, hearing reports from various boards and officers of the Fra-
ternity, and attending to details too numerous to mention. Usually
the gatherings of the Trustees, which were fairly well attended, were
874 The Directors were not the only body that might exercise this power; the
chapter or the Council were also allotted this right.
250 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
peaceful and orderly meetings. Occasionally, however, the Trustees
voiced their views in no uncertain terms. For example, on October 3,
1931, the Trustees broke sharply with past precedent by voting to
grant a charter to the petitioning group at Washington State College.
Heretofore the initiative in all such matters had been taken by the
convention, the Trustees being content to concur in such actions.
During 1931 an unusual situation arose. The Board on Petitioning
Societies in this year recommended to the delegates as it had for the
past four years that a charter should be granted to Psi Nu Sigma of
Washington State College. This society had been before the Fraternity
since 1951 and was considered by the Board as being the most worthy
of all applicants for admission in 1931. The delegates, however, pro-
ceeded to deny these petitioners though they did grant a charter to
Sigm2 Kappa Sigma of the University of Western Ontario, a society
which had been before the Fraternity but for two years. The Board on
Petitioning Societies had never recommended this society to the Fra-
ternity though it had pointed out that eventually Delta Upsilon ought
to enter this Canadian institution. Touched to the quick by the action
of the delegates in so utterly disregarding the findings and recom-
mendations of the Petitioning Board, the Trustees proceeded to use
their constitutional powers and forthwith voted a charter to Psi Nu
Sigma. Notification of this act appeared in the Quarterly and in the
1932 report of the Board on Petitioning Societies. As a result at the
convention of that year the delegates after much discussion voted to
concur in the action of the Trustees. 376
Turning to the activities of the Directors during the present century
it will be noticed that it attended to a large number of details that
concerned the life and progress of Delta Upsilon. Thoughtful action
was given to such matters as the internal life of the chapters and
alumni associations, the Quarterly, the establishment of a strong fiscal
policy and trust fund, an investigation of inactive chapters and neces-
sary changes in the existing constitution and by-laws. Since 1921, its
powers have roamed over an ever growing field, there being little in
the ordinary run of Fraternity matters that has not been brought up
by this body for consideration and action. Anyone who will take the
pains to glance through the four stout volumes of the minutes of this
board will be convinced that the Fraternity owes much to the Board
of Directors. The handling of such delicate matters as the Harvard
and Columbia cases illustrates how well these men have attended to
their duties. Foremost among those who have figured in the activities
875 Minutes o the Board of Trustees, 1926, 1931, Quarterly,
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 251
of the Directors, and necessarily therefore in the Trustees, have been
Thomas C. Miller, John Patterson, Clifford M. Swan, Wilson L. Fair-
banks, Allen Broomhall, Samuel S. Hall, Waldo G. Morse, John P.
Broomell, Lynne J. Bevan, Herbert Wheaton Congdon, Frank W.
Noxon, Marsh M. Corbitt, Warren C. Du Bois, Bruce S. Gramley, and
Floyd Y. Parsons.
The amount of work undertaken by these men was enormous. So
extensive did this become that at the time when the constitution was
revised in 1921 there were created three standing governing boards or
committees, namely the Graduate Board, the Council and the Com-
mittee on Finance, while in 1924 there was added the Board on Peti-
tioning Societies. Of these special attention has already been given to
the Council. The purpose behind the creation of the Graduate Board
was to give more attention to the alumni members of the Fraternity.
Heretofore, as has been noted, consideration had been shown to these
graduates in a score of ways. Frequently, these men had served as con-
vention officers, had addressed these gatherings, had contributed by
labor and gifts to the advancement of Delta Upsilon, had formed
themselves into clubs and associations and since 1909 had taken a
greater share in Fraternity work through the organization of the Board
of Trustees. The members of the Council and Directors, however,
believed that the great mass of alumni were still too much detached
and that something ought to be done to bring home to them, as well
as to the chapters, the fact that Delta Upsilon was a Fraternity that
included its alumni as well as active members. During 1920 and 1921,
under the direction of Swan, the thought of these governing boards
was guided towards this problem with the result that there was created
the Graduate Board whose special duties concerned the alumni of the
Fraternity.
According to the organic law of 1921 this board was to consist of
nine members appointed by the President of the Fraternity; their term
of office being limited to one year. Although subject to the Directors,
the Graduate Board, which was placed on an equal standing with the
Council, was to handle all matters pertaining to the life of the alumni
in Delta Upsilon. A yearly report of all activities was to be presented
to the Directors and Trustees. In the years that followed certain addi-
tional powers were given to this Board, none of which, however, was
important enough to warrant any treatment in this volume. The
Graduate Board held its first meeting December i, 1921, the original
members being John Patterson, chairman, Thomas C. Miller, Earl J.
McLaughlin, Edwin A. Tomlinson, Herbert L Markham, Frederick W.
252 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Rowe, F. Stanley Howe, Albert H. Bickmore, Dewey R. Mason and
Clifford M. Swan, ex-officio. Other gatherings have been held from
time to time, the years of greatest activity, judging from the number of
meetings, being from 1922 to 1924. During these years, as well as those
that followed, the Board stimulated the foundation of alumni clubs
and associations, arranged for a number of informal gatherings, en-
couraged these graduates to increase their number and influence and
sought through the Quarterly to give greater publicity to those matters
that naturally were of interest to these men. At times, circular letters
and news-sheets were mailed to these associations in which facts per-
tinent to the growth of Delta Upsilon were presented in the hope of
arousing interest on the part of these men in the Fraternity. Then
again, efforts were made to have the alumni furnish information con-
cerning prospective students and to aid in this, printed forms were
distributed to all the alumni groups. The field secretary also had as one
of his duties the task of meeting the alumni associations and of encour-
aging them to watch more carefully over chapter matters, to hold
more frequent alumni meetings and to attend both provincial and
general conventions. An examination of the various records of the
Graduate Board would seem to indicate that the alumni were forever
"blowing hot and cold." Clubs that were sponsoring some petitioning
society seem to have been more active before the granting of a charter
than after. At times, when conventions were to be held, local organi-
zations showed considerable spirit and virility, as they often did at
initiation meetings or conferences with the field secretary. And yet,
one cannot avoid the conclusion that if the Graduate Board has not
been able to realize its objectives the blame for this rests fundamentally
upon the alumni rather than upon the Board. No one would seek to
deny that the ideals of alumni cooperation are and have been upper-
most in the minds of all devoted Delta U's. And yet to obtain cordial
and willing cooperation has been a problem that the Fraternity and
the Graduate Board have almost found insolvable.
The very nature of alumni contacts was in itself an abstract and
difficult matter to approach and handle. On the other hand the work
of the Board on Petitioning Societies has been one which has aroused
considerable interest among both alumni and undergraduates. Prior
to the inception of this body the investigation of petitioning societies
was in the hands of the Executive Council and before that in the chap-
ters themselves or in committees appointed by the convention for that
purpose. In the main the work of these earlier agencies was limited to
correspondence with the prospective society and its friends, though
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 253
actual visits were not infrequent. At times, however, no investigation
seems to have taken place as for example in 1866 when the convention
granted a charter to a group at Genesee College merely upon the ap-
peal made by a representative of that society. Anything like a more
elaborate survey was out of the question; in part, because the Frater-
nity had no funds for such a purpose and also because the central
organization was too weak to undertake this work. With the advent of
the Executive Council, however, strides were made towards a more
adequate investigation. The work of Crossett in this respect during
the i88o's has been shown in an earlier chapter, though it should be
noted in passing that the convention still appointed committees of
the chapters to investigate prospective groups and colleges. An examina-
tion of the method used at that time reveals that surveys were made of
institutions even though no petitioning group was in existence.
During the balance of the century and the first decade of the twen-
tieth greater gains were made. Finally in the spring of 1916 the Direc-
tors and the Council appointed joint committees to confer on then
existing petitions. This body met for the first time May 26, 1916, at
which meeting a committee was appointed to draft rules to govern the
presentation of petitions, while the Council was asked to present to
the convention an amendment to the by-laws requiring all original
petitions to be referred by the convention to the Council for investiga-
tion and report. It was also voted that it was the sense of the joint com-
mittees that all original petitioners should be discouraged from sending
representatives to national gatherings. Late in June of the same year
the joint committees met again at which time rules were adopted for
the preparation of petitions. These rules, which were adopted, laid
down certain specifications as to the make-up and printing of these
petitions as well as to content information. Each request was to con-
sist of not more than twenty pages and should be addressed to the
Delta Upsilon Fraternity. A description of the institution, a survey of
the fraternity situation and pertinent facts relative ta the society should
be included. A list of active and alumni members, together with class
and college honors was also to appear, though no letters of recommen-
dation were to be placed in the formal petition itself. In addition to
these rules the joint committees adopted a set of regulations to be
followed by the Board in seeking information from the heads of all
institutions at which petitioning bodies existed. These regulations con-
sisted of a group of questions relative to the size of the college, its
endowments, number of teachers, entrance requirements and the like.
In the framing of these questions the Board leaned heavily upon sug-
254 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
gestions furnished by the officials of the Carnegie and Rockefeller
Foundations. 376
At the 1916 Convention the Council reported to the delegates what
these committees had accomplished and asked for legislation to carry
on the work. The delegates responded by resolving that these joint
committees should continue to function and render reports of their
findings to the convention. It was also voted that all petitions should
be laid on the table for one year pending investigation and report by
the Board. Nothing, however, was done relative to the non-attendance
of representatives of petitioners, though in the future the Board made
it known to all such societies that none of their members were ex-
pected to appear at conventions. Policy in time allowed these groups
to send as their representatives alumni of the Fraternity. On the basis
of these actions the Board continued to function. At its meeting March
19, 1917, it was decided to continue its past procedure and to enlarge
the list of institutions to which questionnaires might be sent relative
to academic conditions. At a later meeting this last feature was dropped
in view of the outbreak of the World War. This factor also explains
why the Board ceased to function from October, 1917, to May 7, 1919.
From then on until 1924 the Board appears to have conducted its
work much along the lines that had already been followed. Among
other things it was decided, May 7, 1919, that petitioning societies
should send no delegates to the convention. Again, on July 14, 1920,
it was voted that a sub-committee be created whose purpose was to
make a survey of institutions from which petitions were then pending,
also of those that might be suitable for expansion. On the basis of this
action a number of colleges appear to have been assigned to this com-
mittee from time to time and on which reports were presented at later
meetings. On June 23, 1922, it was also decided that it was the opinion
of the Board that the Fraternity should aid local societies to organize.
Finally on July 27, 1923, it was voted that no recommendation for a
charter would be made until the petitioner had sent a representative to
the Board, nor until the Board had visited the society in question. 377
From the establishment of this Board in May, 1916, a large number
of petitioning societies had been investigated. Among these might be
mentioned the University of South Dakota, Washington and Jefferson
College, University of Texas, Albion College, Virginia, West Virginia,
Yale, Kentucky and Arizona. In addition surveys were made of those
institutions which were ultimately added to the chapter rolls of Delta
878 Minutes of the Board on Petitioning Societies.
877 Idem.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 255
Upsilon, all of which illustrates the intense interest shown by these
men in furthering the growth of the Fraternity. It should also be noted
in passing that of the total number surveyed only a small number ever
reached the floor of the convention and then only after a careful in-
vestigation had taken place; an investigation, moreover, that involved
an elaborate analysis of the institution and petitioning group by cor-
respondence and visitation. Among the men who served on this Board
should be mentioned, Herbert Wheaton Congdon, Lynne J. Bevan,
John P. Broomell, John Patterson, Clifford M. Swan, Frank W. Noxon,
Harry A. Hey, Thomas C. Miller, Bruce S. Gramley and Alexander
M. McMorran. 378
At the 1924 Convention the constitution of Delta Upsilon was altered
so as to provide for the creation of the Board on Petitioning Societies.
From that time on this body has ceased to be a group of representatives
of the Council and Directors, though it continues to function under
the direction of the Directors to whom, as well as to the convention, it
is required to submit an annual report. This Board was to be appointed
by the Chairman of the Directors and was to consist of fourteen mem-
bers, three of whom were to be selected each from the Council, the
Graduate Board and Trustees. The Board was to examine all petitions,
investigate the quality of the petitioners and the standing of the college
in question. On the basis of evidence available it would appear that
this Board functioned in general along the lines laid down by the
previous body, though it is to be noted that no attempt was made to
survey in any extensive manner those institutions at which no prospec-
tive society existed. It should also be observed that while at least two
meetings of this Board took place annually, that very few recorded
minutes are preserved. For a study of the activities of the Board, there-
fore, one is forced to limit investigation to the annual reports and to
the correspondence between the Board and petitioning groups. The
first chairman of this Board was W. Randolph Burgess, who was fol-
lowed by John P. Broomell in 1927, Karl J. Ammerman in 1928, Joseph
P. Simmons in 1929 and Russell H. Anderson in 1930.
In general these men and their co-workers have sought to stimulate
expansion into those colleges and universities where conditions seemed
to warrant entrance. As stated in 1925 the Board believed that the
Fraternity should "go forward . . . wherever a petitioning body ap-
pears worthy, without being held back by fear of over-expansion."
Again, the Board deliberately discouraged societies who either were
apparently below standard or were located at institutions that held
878 Minutes of the Board on Petitioning Societies.
256 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
little promise in the way of future academic growth. As a result the
Board actually adhered to a conservative, though sane, program of
expansion, a fact that the delegates quite frequently forgot in their
determination to guide the destinies of Delta Upsilon. In every case
the Board examined each petitioning society, as well as the institution
where that group was located in a most meticulous manner. As an
illustration a resume will be presented of the activities of the Board in
respect to Pi Epsilon of the University of Alberta. Early in 1932 the
Fraternity received a request from a student at that University re-
questing information relative to the required procedure for a petition-
ing society. The desired material was forwarded and in a short time a
formal petition was received and referred to the Board for study and
report. The Board immediately arranged to have John Scott, Vice-
President of the Fraternity, visit Edmonton. At the same time com-
munications were opened by the Board with several Delta U's living
at that city. From these men statements were secured which proved
of value. Scott's visit resulted in gathering considerable information
relative to the University of Alberta, the fraternity situation and the
condition of the petitioning group. The survey showed when the insti-
tution was founded, a list of its presidents, a statement of the quality
and number of buildings and size of campus, the different colleges and
faculties of the University, its matriculation requirements, the number
of students together with their religious affiliation, the sources of in-
come and the number of students from Alberta who enlisted for service
in the World War. Scott also reported the existence of three general
and two local fraternities and of the relation that was maintained be-
tween these societies and the University authorities. Finally, Scott
commented upon the origins of the petitioning group, the reasons why
it sought entrance into Delta Upsilon, the size of the society, its scho-
lastic and athletic rating and its housing conditions. A digest of these
various facts were referred to the 1932 Convention with a recommenda-
tion that the petition be laid on the table pending further investiga-
tion. This the delegates proceeded to do, though the Board in 1933
continued its analysis of the petitioning society. Scott visited the group
in March of that year and rendered an intensive report similar in
nature to his earlier statement. On the basis of his findings the Board
has recommended to the 1933 Convention that the petition be tabled
but that the Fraternity continue its survey in the future. 379
The extreme care exercised by this Board has been equalled by the
Finance Committee which was definitely established by constitutional
879 Reports of the Board on Petitioning Societies, 1932, 1933, Annual, 1931-1933-
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 257
amendment in 1921. At the opening of the Twentieth Century the
finances of the Fraternity were lodged in the hands of the Council
subject to the constitution and acts of the convention. Most of the
income was received in the form of a chapter tax which in 1900
amounted to $440 per member, in return for which each person re-
ceived a year's subscription to the Quarterly, while the chapter itself
received at least one copy of the Annual Out of this chapter tax the
Council attempted to meet the expenses of all regular Fraternity pub-
lications, the salaries and office expenses, the costs of convention and
a number of sundry matters such as the installation of new chapters
and the issuing of membership certificates. The largest single expense
item was that incident to the convention which amounted approxi-
mately to one thousand dollars. From 1900 to 1904 the chapter tax
amounted to $4.40, though for the next four years, due to increased
expenses this was raised to $4.8o. 3SO In the meantime a new tax, known
as the Equalization Tax was levied. The inception of this item goes
back into the previous century when discussion took place at conven-
tion and in the Council as to the provision of some means whereby the
railroad fare of the delegates to convention could be pro rated so that
the expense to each chapter would be the same. In 1901 the conven-
tion provided that a division of the carfare of the delegates should be
"in proportion to the number of undergraduate members in each
chapter to the total undergraduate membership of the Fraternity." 381
In making this calculation the membership of the entertaining chapter
was omitted. On the basis of this resolution it appears that the railroad
expenses to the 1902 Convention amounted to 1,964.58 while the
total undergraduate membership equalled six hundred and fifty-seven,
making an average expense per man of slightly less than three dollars.
Those chapters, therefore, having carfare in excess of this received a
return while those whose rate was lower were charged with an amount
to produce that which had been paid to the others.
This procedure was followed for several years with the Treasurer's
report showing small items paid out and received through the Equaliza-
tion scheme. Although at first there was some misunderstanding as
well as delay in the payment of these amounts the Council in 1906
recommended to the convention that in the future this item should
appear in its annual budget and that the annual (chapter tax) be in-
creased to cover this amount. Such an arrangement would make it
^Minutes of the Executive Council, 1900-1909. Actually the tax was $5.00 and
$6 oo for these periods, but as a twenty percent discount was allowed for prompt
payment, the net tax was as listed above.
i* 81 Annual, 1903.
258 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
unnecessary for the Council to send out special bills as had been the
case in the past. No action, however, was taken by the delegates and
so the old method was continued. In 1908, however, as a result of the
convention voting to have the equalization rate fixed for three years
at once the Treasurer added a new account to his book known as the
Equalization Account. This would seem to indicate that special taxes
were levied on the chapters to meet this, taxes that were, therefore,
not included within the chapter tax. This Equalization Tax in 1908
was placed at $4.00 gross or $3.20 net if paid within sixty days. Against
this fund amounts were drawn to meet the excess expenses of delegates
coming from greater distances than the average. A statement of these
expenses was made at convention time and the amount thereof was
refunded to those chapters entitled to the same in the spring when
the Chapter and Equalization taxes were levied. In other words if the
Northwestern Chapter was to pay an Equalization Tax of one hundred
dollars and its expenses to the convention amounted to fifty dollars it
received a rebate of fifty dollars so that the actual amount due from
that chapter amounted to but fifty dollars. On the other hand if the
Williams Chapter were to pay an Equalization Tax of one hundred
dollars but its expenses to convention amounted to one hundred and
fifty dollars, it actually paid into the Fraternity no Equalization Tax,
but did receive in return the fifty dollars that had been paid into the
Equalization Fund by the Northwestern Chapter.
At the same time the Equalization Tax appeared on the Treasurer's
books there also appeared another new assessment known as the Initiate
Tax. This tax was ordered by the 1908 Convention. The amount of
this tax was set at $2.00 per member, for which he was to receive the
Quarterly for two years after retirement from college. The tax itself
was supposed to provide the Fraternity with a convention fund and
leave a balance sufficient to carry the Quarterly for the above men-
tioned period. At the time of the incorporation of the Fraternity, there-
fore, in 1909, there existed three distinct taxes; first the Chapter Tax
set at 14.80 net, for which each undergraduate received the Quarterly
and the Chapter, the Annual, and from which tax the Fraternity ob-
tained a fund to meet other expenses; second, the Equalization Tax
set at $3.20 net; and third, the Initiate Tax set at $2.00 net. Actually
therefore each undergraduate paid into the Fraternity a total tax of
$6.80 (Chapter Tax plus Initiate Tax) and an Equalization Tax which
varied in respect to the location of the chapter to the seat of the con-
vention.
During the period from 1900 to 1909 inclusive the Treasurers of the
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 259
Fraternity were Samuel S. Hall (1900-1904) , Edson S. Harris (1904-
1907), Arthur E. Bestor (1907-1908) and Clifford M. Swan (1908-
1909) . The following table shows the financial situation of the Fra-
ternity from 1900 to igo8: 382
Bilk Bills Balance
Years Receipts Receivable Expenses Payable on Hand
1900 $4.103.94 $1482.48 $3,632.75 $404.00 $471-19
1901 5.766.64 i,337-58 5*69642 999-39 17-65
i92 4732-i7 1,190.23 4,635.16 450.00 70.22
1903 6,841.19 1,080.58 6408.16 97.01
1904 6,627.67 1,224.08 6,524.52 300.00 433-13
1905 4,893-55 1,150-38 4,801.87 91.23
1906 4.444-02 581.06 3,909-11 534-9 1
1907 4.997-03 564.97 4.755-68 241.35
1908 4,605.51 852.07 4,3^1.82 283.69
An explanation of these figures is necessary. In the first place the "re-
ceipts*' do not include the amount taken in through the Quarterly, a
separate statement appearing in the reports of the editor. 383 Most of
the income reported by the Treasurer came from the Chapter Tax,
though receipts from the sale of the Decennial in 1903 and 1904 and
loans either by the Council or members of that body should be noted.
Without these loans, which of course constituted a mortgage on the
assets of the Fraternity, it is certain that the growth of the Fraternity
would have been seriously curtailed. To those men, therefore, who had
faith in Delta Upsilon, much credit is due. These loans were necessary
chiefly because the chapters had failed to meet their obligations to the
Fraternity. An examination of the "bills receivable" shows that the
entire amount listed for 1900 to 1903 constituted back debts due from
the chapters, of which all but $92, in 1903, ran back to 1892 and
beyond. In 1903, for example, Rochester, New York and Western Re-
serve owed the Fraternity $137.70 which had been on the books since
1890. Rochester alone in 1903 was indebted to Delta Upsilon for
$411.75, New York for $282.20 and Union for $142.50. Marietta, North-
western and Pennsylvania also owed sums that were badly needed by
the central office. These obligations were cut down materially by 1908,
although even then $423.97 was outstanding. In that year the amount
of bills receivable increased by reason of certain chapters failing to
meet obligations to the amount of $198.00. During 1904 and 1905 the
Fraternity had on its books chapter debts for the Decennial that totaled
$350 and $300 respectively. In 1905 there was $163.24 due from
Equalization assessments, while in 1907 and 1908 there were due $68.50
882 These are Fraternity years which ran from one convention to another.
883 See below pp. 313-318.
s6o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
and $134.60 from the same source. During the same years the Fraternity,
hoping to stimulate internal development, had printed a number of
chapter letters, for which certain chapters owed $46.50 and $72.50
respectively. Had these delinquent chapters met their obligations when
due the Fraternity could have forged forward more rapidly and would
not have been required, as it was from 1900 to 1902 inclusive and in
1904, to show the bills payable as noted above. Actually therefore the
cash on hand in 1901, 1902, and 1904 was more than wiped out by
bills payable. 384
From 1909 to 1919 inclusive the finances of the Fraternity materially
improved. During these years the Fraternity continued to gain most
of its income from the Chapter Tax, the Equalization Tax and the
Initiate Tax. The amount of the Chapter Tax remained at $4.80 net
until 1918 when it was raised to $6.40, though the following year it
dropped to $4.00 net. The Equalization assessment was lowered in 1918
and 1919 to $1.60 net. On the other hand the Initiate Tax was raised
from $2.00 to $5.00 net in late 1915. In return for this latter tax each
active member received a copy of the Song-Book, since 1914, a Manual,
since 1915, and a subscription to the Quarterly for two years after
graduation. 385 The increase in the Quarterly subscription rates as
well as the required gifts of the Song-Book and Manual explain the
rise in the Initiate Tax. In return for the Chapter Tax each member
received the Quarterly while in college, his chapter an Annual and his
delegate to the convention an elaborate entertainment. What was left
was used by the Council and Directors to maintain a headquarters and
undertake the work incident to the Fraternity. The Equalization Tax
made it possible for all chapters to have delegates at convention re-
gardless of the distance and for that reason was quite justifiable. The
assessment and collection of these taxes seems to have continued as
before. Then, in 1917 the convention authorized the levying of an
Alumni Tax. This coincided with the enfranchisement of the alumni
and for that reason may be considered equitable. The Fraternity, how-
ever, could only collect this tax from those who were willing to pay it
and when they did, they received the Quarterly and the right to par-
ticipate in most chapter activities even to the extent of voting on chap-
ter members. Those alumni who wished to make a single payment of
$50.00 became entitled to all these rights for life.
384 An examination of the Annual and other sources will show those who are
interested the amount of anxiety caused by the failure of the chapters to meet
their just debts.
885 But see below pp. 263, 320.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 261
During the years 1909 to 1919 inclusive the Treasurers of the Fra-
ternity were Clifford M. Swan (1909-1912), Harry A. Hey (1912-1914),
John P. Broomell (1914-1918) and William S. Barker (1918-1919).
The following table shows the financial life of the Fraternity during
these years: 386
Years
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
Years
1909
1910
1911
1912
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
1919
Years
1909
1910
1911
1913
1913
1914
1915
1916
1917
1918
IIS
Total
$5*380.67
5,726.05
5,906.02
5,827.24
5*972-44
8,573-04
io,55544
8,00948
9,564.10
11,327.76
Receipts
$2,944.00
5*032.92
3,123.20
3,136.00
3,171-20
3,200.00
343040
3*597-20
1,19040
21.80
Income
$300.00
70600
814.00
874.00
828.00
922.00
936.00
1,952.00
2,190.00
2,910.00
CHAPTER TAX
'COME Bills Balance
Chapter Tax Expenses Receivable on Hand
$4483.20 $5,190.67 $460.77 $190.00
4473.60 5*182.94 448.00 543.11
4,93440 5,082.31
ij~--r:7
744-93
594.36
1,352.06
973.26
132.88
1,848.25
3,065.00
4*698.96
Balance
on Hand
$1,279.62
188.69
958.98
1409.20
690.55
1,179.11
1,364-91
1,807.06
1,722.99
1*443-85
ast convention
Balance
on Hand
$ 300.00
53-00
1,368.00
1,000.00
916.00
1,108.00
1462.00
1,986.00
2,340.00
1,718.00
2,344-00
4,828.80 5,378.08
4,968.00 6,06548
4,996.80 7*599-78
5,424.00 10,688.32 .. .
5,529.60 6,161.23 .. ..
4,857.60 6499.10
4,224.00 6,628.80
EQUALIZATION TAX
Bills
Payable Fares
$88.70 $1,753.08
.. . . 4,844.23
2 672.Q8
3*854-65
2,682 64
3,014.20
... 2 088. 2
o 68l.27
1469-54
No convention in 1 9 1 8. Union owed $2 1 .80 p
INITIATE TAX
Expenses Loans
$
228 oo $725.00
294.00
742.00 500.00
886.00 2690
922.00
936.00
1428.00
1,836.00
3,532.00
2,309.00
386 These are for Fraternity years and the figures are taken from the reports
presented to the convention.
262 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
It is to be noted that under the table "Chapter Tax" there is in-
cluded the item of total income, which includes the balance on hand
at the close of the previous year. On the other hand it does not include
the income from the Quarterly through the year 1913, but does from
then on. Further, it includes the alumni tax from 1918 on as well as
other items of income gained throughout the eleven years noted. Fur-
ther, in 1916 the balance was really a deficit. In the table "Equaliza-
tion Tax" it should be noted that in 1910 a sum of $725.00 was bor-
rowed from the Initiate Tax to meet extraordinary expenses incident
to the convention of that year; this sum was repaid upon the receipts
of the "Equalization" Tax for that gathering. 387 Under Initiate Tax
there has been included as expenses the cost of supplying those entitled
to the Quarterly, Song-Book, and Manual. The loan in 1910 was to the
Equalization Fund; that in 1912 to the Trustees, and that in 1913 to
the Quarterly. Finally it should be noted that the back debts of the
chapters were all paid by 1910.
The Treasurer did not render a complete report to the convention
in 1920 largely because the fiscal year of the Fraternity was altered in
a manner that made it impracticable. The accounts as rendered to the
Directors were not drafted along the lines heretofore followed. These
difficulties make it impossible to record any definitive statement for
that year so far as the purposes of this narrative are concerned. Begin-
ning with 1921, however, the Treasurer's report is quite clear and from
it we can obtain a clear picture of the financial structure of Delta
Upsilon through the year closing 1932. During the years the Fraternity
gained most of its income from the Undergraduate Tax, the Equaliza-
tion Tax and Undergraduate Commutation Tax. The details incident
to these sources of revenue were handled chiefly by the Committee on
Finance that had been established by the Constitution of ig2i. 388 This
committee was to consist of nine members, three of whom were to be
the Treasurer of the Fraternity, the Chairman of the Council and the
Chairman of the Graduate Board; the remainder were to be appointed
by the President. These men were to hold office for one year and were
to perform all duties assigned them either by the By-Laws of 1921 or
by the Trustees, Directors and President. Annual reports were to be
made to the Trustees and Directors. No changes in this committee
387 The Convention of 1924 voted to allow the Equalization Tax to apply to Pull-
man as well as to carfare as had been the case before.
888 The duties of this committee were outlined in the section of the By-Laws that
described the tax system.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 263
were made by constitutional amendment though some of their duties
were altered by reason of changes in the tax system.
According to the By-Laws adopted in 1921 there was to be an under-
graduate assessment of six dollars on every active member of each chap-
ter, in return for which the member received the Quarterly for each
year for which the tax had been paid. If remitted within thirty days
from assessment a discount of twenty percent was allowed mating the
net tax $4.80 per member each year. Since 1921 there has been no
increase in the size of this tax. There was also to be an Initiate Tax
of $10.00 levied on each person at initiation, in return for which the
initiate received a badge, a copy of the Manual and Song-Book. In
1958 the Convention voted to increase this assessment to $25.00, of
which $15.00 was to be allocated to the Permanent Trust Fund, which
is discussed later on, while the balance went into the regular funds of
the Fraternity. The Equalization Tax was continued, the amount be-
ing fixed by the Council at a rate such that the fund arising therefrom
shall maintain a reserve sufficient to obviate large fluctuations in the
rate and to enable the convention to meet without the use of other
funds. Any balance arising from this tax was to be kept solely for fu-
ture equalization, though a part might be loaned temporarily in antici-
pation of tax payments. The amount of this tax from 1921 on has
been fixed at $4.00 gross or $3.20 net. 389 Finally it should be noted that
the 1928 Convention voted to levy an Undergraduate Commutation
Tax. This assessment amounted to $5.00 annually, and was to be paid
for four years; whereupon the member became a graduate member of
the Fraternity in good standing and was to be exempt from the alumni
tax. In the event that a student became a graduate member before he
had paid all of the commutation assessment he might secure the bene-
fits of graduate membership by paying the balance within five years
from the date of initiation; and even then, if not paid, the time by
action of the Directors might be extended. All income derived from
this tax went into the Permanent Trust Fund. An undergraduate,
therefore pays annually to the Fraternity the sum of $13.00 or a total
of $52.00 for four years. In addition he pays an initiate assessment of
$25.00 making a grand total, minus any special taxes that might be
levied, of $77.00 for his entire college life.
Alumni, on the other hand, by the By-Laws of 1921 were to pay an
annual tax of $3.00 which entitled the payer to the Quarterly for each
year the tax was remitted. Any graduate member who desired might,
however, pay $50.00 or more, in which event he was to be exempt from
889 In 1932 the By-Laws were amended so as to set this tax at $4.00 per year.
264 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the future payment of this graduate tax and receive all the benefits
of the same for life. Finally, any graduate who in addition to the
$50.00 might pay not less than a thousand dollars might provide that
a graduating student of a chapter in each of the next succeeding twenty
years shall as an award of merit be commuted of his graduate tax.
Later ia 1928 a student receiving this award was to have the $15.00 of
the Initiate Tax commuted. All sums paid by commutation were to
go into the Permanent Trust Fund. 390
From 1921 to date the Treasurers of the Fraternity have been William
S. Barker (1921-1926) and Lynne J. Bevan (1926-1933) . The following
table shows the financial strength of the Fraternity during this period:
CHAPTER TAXES
Undergraduate Initiate Jewelry Installa- Miscel-
Years Tax Tax Profit tions laneous
1921 $7,171.20 $3,689.00 $445 8 30 $ $2,11507
1922 6,862.80 5,51000 1445-13 200.00 977-io
1923 6,69240 5,120.00 1,85152 349.36
1924 6,755.60 477-o 1*522.19 28109
1925 7,002.00 6,310.00 2,189.09 100.00 147-73
1926 749942 6,695.00 2,059.20 100.00 113-37
!9 2 7 7,972-18 7,780.00 i,953- 6 7 200.00 255.17
1928 7 6 9545 6,25600 1,957-25 18878
1929 8,383.12 8,692.00 1,968.62 200.00 66.81
!93 9i39-90 7,715-00 1,828.28 100.00 56550
1931 9,206.80 7,440.00 1,632.70 118.00 74.91
1932 8,654.20 6,564.15 1,020.72 97.62 192.12
It will be noticed that in 1922 the amount of the Initiate Tax in-
creased; this was due to the fact that in that year the amount of the
tax was raised. The income from the sales of jewelry resulted from the
practice of the Fraternity in having all sales made through the General
Headquarters. It will also be observed that the business depression of
1930 to 1932 has decidedly lowered the amount of the Undergraduate
and Initiate Taxes. 891 The following table shows the income received
from the alumni:
INCOME FROM ALUMNI
Dues from Voluntary
Years Alumni Tax Alumni Clubs Subscriptions
1921 $9,001.00 $95-oo $292-00
1922 8,784.00 95.00 277.50
1923 9537-o 65.00 364.35
1924 10,038.00 65.00 325.00
1925 10,338,00 145.00 320.50
880 In 1928 the Convention resolved that the changes then made were to apply
only to those initiated one year after the passage of these amendments.
881 Income from the Quarterly and other publications is credited to Initiate,
Undergraduate and Alumni Taxes.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 265
INCOME FROM ALUMNI (Continued}
1926 $10,077.00 $5000 378.00
1927 10,80600 70.00 308.00
1928 10,704.00 80.00 249.00
1929 11,259.50 60.00 264.50
1930 IM9788 55.00 173.00
1931 10,36625 75.00 117.00
1932 93584<> 40-00 7500
The effect of the business depression on the receipts from these sources
is clearly revealed. The following table shows income from other
sources:
Trust Interest on Quarterly
Years Fund Investments Sales
1921 $1,718.76 $ $392.20
1922 1,77240 28744 497.30
1923 2,013.13 617.16 355.70
1924 1,612.54 610.70 591.90
1925 2,102-93 741.86 353.00
1926 2,16147 837.84 393.00
1927 2,282.50 1,32742 323.35
1928 2,837.13 1,206.16 88.05
1929 3>i7-20 1,291.37 393.61
193 33!3-3 1482.21 314.00
1931 4320.53 1,540.89 235.30
1932 6*28442 1,986.84 105.30
The following table shows the total income during the years noted:
Undergraduate Alumni Total
Years Income Income Income
1921 $17433.57 $11498.96 $28,932.53
1922 14,995.03 11,713.64 26,708.67
1923 14,013.28 12,952.34 26,955.62
1924 13,308.88 13,243.14 26,552.02
1925 15,748.82 14,001.29 29,750.11
1926 16464.99 13.897.51 30,362.50
1927 18,161.02 15,117.27 33,278.29
1928 16,09148 15*224.34 31,315-82
1929 i9>i74-93 16,376.18 35>55i-i i
1930 19,349.28 16,835.39 36,184.67
1931 1847241 16,654.97 35*127-38
1932 16,528.81 16,849.96 33'37 8 -77
On the basis of this income the Fraternity has been able to maintain
a steadily increasing program of growth and development. Office ex-
penses, salaries, various publications, a traveling secretary, historical
research incident to this volume and a score of other matters that have
been of immense value to both graduate and undergraduate members
of Delta Upsilon were undertaken. The following table will illustrate
the amounts spent for the more important bits of Fraternity work:
266 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Secretary's Salary Office Convention
Years and Expenses Salaries Quarterly Expenses
1921 $4,223.83 ?3,998.66 $6,474.69 $940-70
1922 4,276.65 3*897.0 537 6 7 1,50000
1923 4,92249 440000 4,798.81 888.13
1924 2,748.79 4449-!5 5,090.16 1,583-63
1925 2437.82 5,305.02 5407.24 1,500.00
1926 4470.04 5,910.00 5.714-23 1461-73
1927 4405.11 6,868.53 5,565.18 1,603.66
1928 4,699.08 6,559.77 6,321.06 1,945.97
1929 5,11948 6,302.92 6,174.97 i,994.i8
1930 3,50946 6,640.00 6,045.97 2,246.06
1931 4,926.84 6,255.80 6,258.93 1,772-27
1932 6,561.99 6,104.00 5,023.39 1,618.81
The grand total of expenses, divided according to what the under-
graduate and alumni members of the Fraternity received is as follows:
Years Undergraduate Graduate Grand Total
1921 $20,98044 $7,121.84 $28,10228
1922 19,52049 6,720.20 26,240.69
1923 17,822.97 6,194.32 24,017.29
1924 19,816.86 6,035.77 25,852.63
1925 18,92442 6,613.30 25,537.72
1926 22,033.15 6,575.87 28,609.02
1927 23,580.96 7,802.70 31,38366
1928 22,284.69 7,52322 29,80791
1929 27,785.69 11,32583 39,111.52
1930 22,901.98 7,796.34 30,698.32
1931 21,626.82 7.864.73 2949155
1932 24,247.54 6,789.32 31,036.86
On comparing the total income with the total expenses it may be
seen that there was a comfortable surplus for every year except 1929.
In that year the Fraternity was compelled to borrow from the surplus
in order to meet the extraordinary expenses incident to the publica-
tion of the Catalogue. It will also be observed that most of the income
was spent in ways that favored the undergraduate. In addition to these
various taxes and expenditures the Fraternity maintained two other
funds, namely the Equalization and Permanent Trust Funds. The
purpose of the first has already been explained, while the following
table will show the revenue and the use to which it was put. 891 *
Balance
Years Income Carfare on Hand
1921 $2,994.54
1922 $4,392.8o $2,813.96 4,573.38
1923 4,36240 2,996.84 5,938.94
1924 4,381.60 2,933.97 7.386.57
1925 4485-60 11,794-21 7796
3W * After 1927, the sources do not show the actual income or amount paid for
carfare.
JOHN PATTERSON
COLUMBIA '92
Chid nit ff
CLIFFORD M. SWAN
TECHNOLOGY -99
Chidnoff
fTajnx & Eieing
WALDO G. MORSE
ROCHESTER 81
WILLIAM S. BARKER
SWARTHMORE '95
FRATERNITY BUILDERS
PRESIDENTS OF THE FRATERNITY
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
19331 934
WILLIS P. GOLDIN
WILLIAMS -05
WARREN C DUBOIS
HAMILTON '12
WALDO G MORSE
ROCHESTER '81
BRUCE S. GRAMLEY CARROLL B LARRABEE
PENNSYLVANIA STATE 'OS BROWN '18
HORACE G NICHOL
CARNEGIE '21
RUSSELL H ANDERSON
WESLEY AN '2.O
FLOYD Y. PARSONS
CORNELL -98
JOHN PATTERSON
COLUMBIA '92
SAMUEL S. HALL
HARVARD '88
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
I 933 I 934
MARSH M. CORBITT
WASHINGTON '17
GEORGE B HILL-
WISCONSIN -os
PAUL S CLAPP
IOWA STATE '13
THOMAS C MILLER
HAMILTON '85
FRANK H. MIESSE
OHIO STATE *03
JOHN P BROOM ELL
SWARTHMORE '99
JOHN D SCOTT
CHICAGO 'It
ALBERT E. SINKS
WESTERN RESERVE *O9
JOHN W MACE
NEW YORK -11
LYNNE J BEVAN
CHICAGO *O3
CLIFFORD M SWAN
TECHNOLOGY '99
THOMAS C MILLER
HAMILTON '85
Chidnoff
JOHN D SCOTT
CHICAGO '11
Chidnoff
SAMUEL S HALL
HARVARD '88
LYNNE J BEVAN
CHICAGO 'O3
FRATERNITY BUILDERS
PRESIDENTS OF THE FRATERNITY
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 267
Balance
Years Income Carfare on Hand
1926 $435503 ........ $4432-99
1927 6,508.62
9371-59
193 1 15*502.97
1932 16,611.69
The inception of the Permanent Trust Fund goes back to 1899. O n
November i of that year George F. Andrews, then President of the
Fraternity, in a letter to the Council proposed the establishment of an
Endowment Fund. Andrews was of the opinion that the time had
come for the Fraternity to raise a sum sufficient to permit extension of
Fraternity work. Accordingly, he offered to give $200 towards this end
provided that $1,000 was subscribed by other alumni and in the
event that these alumni gifts should equal $2,000 then he would raise
his contribution to $500. Funds so collected were to be placed in the
custody of a Board of Trustees, one of whom was to be the Treasurer
of the Fraternity, another to be of the Council while a third was to be
elected by the convention. All of these men were to serve for three
years. Andrews stipulated that the interest arising from this fund was
to be used as a majority of the Board of Trustees might wish but that
no investment or loan of the principal could be made without the
consent of all three members. The Council at its meeting, November
5, 1901, accepted Andrews' offer and elected a temporary board to
handle the raising of the funds. 392
This board seems to have undertaken a canvass of the alumni and
before the year was out had obtained a nucleus which served as a basis
for further activity. Nothing was said of this effort at the 1900 Conven-
tion but at the next annual meeting the entire proposition was an-
nounced; the fund at that time amounting to $1,200. The reaction of
the delegates was highly pleasing to both the Council and Andrews,
while Hall, one of the Board of Trustees, stated in the subsequent issue
of the Quarterly that it was hoped that further subscriptions would be
forthcoming. Hall reported that one enthusiastic alumnus was anxious
that the sum be raised to $50,000. "A fund of this size would be most
useful in enabling the Council to help build chapter houses and for a
working capital to enlarge and improve the Quarterly. 91 This optimism,
however, was short-lived as the total amount by 1906 was but $1,230.62,
while in 1909 it was only $1,296.65. During the eight years that the
892 Minutes of the Executive Council, Nov. 5, 1901. Andrews' offer depended upon
the necessary alumni subscriptions being raised by Oct., 1902.
268 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
fund had existed the Board of Trustees had advanced to the Council
a number of loans which were used for general Fraternity purposes;
all of these loans plus interest were returned to this Board. 393
The Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund continued to exist
until late May, 1922, when its work was absorbed by the Directors of
Delta Upsilon. The amount of money turned over at this time either
in cash or bonds amounted to $i,7o8.44. 394 It will be observed that this
sum was not much larger than that which the Board of Trustees had
in 1909, which illustrates the degree of success that had attended the
efforts conceived by Andrews in 1899. In the meantime, however, steps
had been taken towards the creation of what was known as the Per-
manent Trust Fund. The inception of this later idea may be traced
back to 1912 when the Board of Trustees of Delta Upsilon, Incor-
porated, voted to create a committee to raise a fund of $100,000, pledges
to which were not to be binding until at least half of the sum had been
subscribed to. This committee, which acted under the Board of Direc-
tors, proceeded to make plans which resulted in a careful canvass of
the alumni throughout the country. Sums and pledges were secured
during the course of the following years. So pleased was the committee
with the success that had attended their efforts that in 1922 it reported
that its purpose then was to raise $200,000. Nothing further, however,
was undertaken by this Board as the revision of the constitution and
by-laws in 1921 had provided for the commutation of alumni taxes,
all income from which was to be allocated to the Permanent Trust
Fund. 895 Again, in 1928 the Initiate Tax was altered so as to provide
for additional sums which were to be placed in the Permanent Trust
Fund, while at the same time there was created the Undergraduate
Commutation Tax which likewise added to the amounts in this special
fund. The following table shows the status of the Permanent Trust
Fund: 396
Total amount as made by
Years Payments in cash or bonds at par
1921 $4i58o95
1922 45235- 1 4
1923 46,272.08
1924 47,110.83
**Anmial f 1901-1909.
394 Minutes of the Board of Directors, 1922.
895 Alumni might commutate their taxes under a constitutional provision in 1917.
^Nothing definite is available for the collections to this fund prior to 1921.
Monthly reports appear to have been made but no Annual appeared until 1921.
The Directors at various times staged drives to increase commutation. All years
noted above are fiscal years.
GOVERNING BOARDS OF DELTA UPSILON 269
Total amount as made by
If ears Payments in cash or bonds at par
1925 $48,107.08
1926 50,250.00
1927 52,597-39
1928 61,00000
1929 63,000 oo
1930 67,000.00
1931 85,00000
1932 105,000.00
In commenting on the state of the Permanent Trust Fund in 1932
Bevan the Treasurer stated: "Until about a year ago the market value
of the Permanent Trust Fund was greater than the par value and
greater than our cost, but in June, 1932, the market value fell to ap-
proximately $63,000 or 60% of the par or nominal value. Since June
the market value has recovered substantially, but is still considerably
below our cost. We have, however, had no defaults in interest payments
and no reduction of dividends on our preferred stocks." Further,
Sevan's statement as to the financial life of the Fraternity may well be
quoted in full as a fitting conclusion to this chapter of Delta Upsilon's
history: 897
The Fraternity has now reached a notable stage in its financial growth
in which the alumni contribute as much to income as do the under-
graduates. Alumni contribute through alumni taxes, voluntary sub-
scriptions, Trust Fund Income, alumni club dues, interest on the sev-
eral funds, profits on short term securities, and Quarterly advertising.
The undergraduates, however, receive the direct benefit of about three-
quarters of our disbursements, while the alumni directly receive benefit
of only one-quarter principally through the Quarterly. This is evi-
dence of conscientious and skillful labor on the part of many loyal
alumni. It suggests that Delta Upsilon is no longer merely an under-
graduate fraternity but that it is a fraternal bond for men of all ages.
It further suggests that added responsibilities may be conferred upon
those alumni who inspire to still greater development of the Fraternity
as a life-long institution.
807 Annual, 1932.
Chapter XIII
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933
TWENTIETH CENTURY EXPANSION MIDDLE WESTERN AND PACIFIC
COAST ADDITIONS DELTA UPSILON INVADES THE SOUTH AND SOUTH-
WESTTHE DARTMOUTH CHAPTER EXTENSION INTO CANADA
THE OREGON CHAPTER
EARLY in 1901 Delta Upsilon established a chapter at the University
of Chicago. Interest in that institution seems to have first appeared
at the 1870 Convention when the Committee on New Chapters re-
ported that Chicago might well be considered as a suitable place for
extension. It is not known that an investigating body was appointed,
though in the fall of the same year it was reported that two men from
the Madison Chapter were pushing things there with some degree of
success. Nothing more, however, seems to have taken place until May,
1874, when the convention appointed Cornell and Madison to look into
conditions at that University. This committee presented a favorable
report in 1875, which seems to have encouraged the delegates present
to the extent of creating a new committee of Cornell and Western
Reserve to continue investigations. This new body found conditions
none too pleasing with the result that nothing more was done in re-
spect to Chicago for the time being. 398 In 1891, however, the Executive
Council called the attention of the delegates to the fact that Chicago
would, in the near future, be an institution that should be seriously
considered as a field for expansion. The delegates reacted most en-
thusiastically by instructing the Executive Council to aid in the forma-
tion of a local society which was to seek admission as soon as possible.
This vote, however, was later revoked, though no reasons for this action
appear in the Annual. This show of interest, however, seems to have
encouraged a group of students at that University (and it may be that
the local alumni of Delta Upsilon had a hand in the affair) to organize
and submit a petition for admission into the Fraternity. The Council
said nothing about this in its report to the 1893 Convention, though it
did point out the evident advantages that this University offered. The
** Annual, 1870-1875, Rochester to Amherst, Oct. 18, 1870.
270
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 271
delegates, however, had the Chicago petition read which was immedi-
ately followed by a motion granting admission. It was pointed out by
a Brown delegate that such procedure would violate the constitution
which required a petitioning society to have existed as a local for one
year. Whereupon the convention voted to grant a charter as soon as
the constitutional requirements were complied with by the local soci-
ety. The action of the convention seems to have discouraged the peti-
tioning group as nothing more appears in any of our sources relative
to Chicago until 1896 when a special committee was appointed to
investigate that institution. This committee reported in 1897 that
Chicago was a promising place and that a group of local alumni, not
satisfied with any of the existing societies there, were tutoring a small
number of men to the end that they might form themselves into an
organization and submit a petition to Delta Upsilon. 399
The effort of these alumni amounted to nothing as not until late
1899 did the Fraternity have its attention turned towards Chicago
again. Early in December of that year John Mills and Arthur E. Bestor,
students at that University, set under way a movement towards the
formation of a local society. Both of these men knew of Delta Upsilon,
as near relatives were members of that Fraternity. This fact plus their
determination to form a group that might join a society whose ideals
corresponded with their own led them to organize their local group
along lines similar to Delta Upsilon. This group was known as the
"Iron Key," a society that soon won for itself the assistance of local
Delta U's, notably James W. Thompson, Rutgers '92. By the spring of
1900 the eight members of the "Iron Key" felt themselves sufficiently
strong to appeal to the Chicago Alumni Club and the neighboring
chapters for help and counsel. Accordingly on May 25 of that year
delegates from Michigan, Wisconsin, De Pauw, Nebraska, Minnesota
and Wisconsin gathered at Prof. Thompson's home and were intro-
duced to the members of the "Iron Key." Although nothing definite
was done, the way was paved for further success and progress. 400
In the fall of 1900 a formal petition was sent to the Convention,
contact having already been established with the Executive Council.
This body had no opportunity to investigate the petitioning group
but called the attention of the delegates in 1900 to the petition which
came highly recommended by the Chicago alumni, two of whom
(James W. Thompson and Camillo Von Klenze) attended this con-
889 Annual, 1891-1897, Quarterly, XI:s7, A. E. Breckenridge to Thomas, Mar. 7,
1894 enclosing a letter from J. W. Thompson, Rutgers '92.
400 Quarterly, XIX-67-68, Quinquennial, (1903), p. 33.
272 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
vention. These men pointed out the merits of the group and asked
the delegates to grant the request of the petitioners. After some dis-
cussion a charter was granted on the understanding that the installa-
tion should not take place until a year had passed since the founding
of the "Iron Key." Upon this vote the Executive Council laid plans
for installation which ultimately took place at the Grand Pacific Hotel
in Chicago on January 5, 1901. George F. Andrews, President of the
Fraternity, conducted the ceremonies at which thirteen men were
initiated into the Chicago Chapter of Delta Upsilon. 401
Among these men there should be mentioned Arthur E. Bestor, later
an active member of the Executive Council, and Lynne J. Bevan whose
service as Fraternity Treasurer has already been noted. At this time
the Chicago Chapter was housed at 5735 Madison Avenue. In May,
1902 it moved to 6018 Kimbark Avenue where it remained until the
fall of 1905 when it moved into a house of its own at 5747 Blackstone
Avenue. In July, 1926 the chapter moved to 5714 Woodlawn Avenue,
where it resides at present. The chapter has been prominent in college
activities, gaining its share of class and college honors. In general fra-
ternity affairs, Chicago has been represented at every convention since
1901, and in 1904 and 1933 acted as host to the general Fraternity.
Among its graduates who have figured prominently in Fraternity work
should be mentioned John D. Scott, formerly President and now
Second Vice-President of Delta Upsilon.
Nearly four years after the founding of Chicago a chapter was
planted at Ohio State University. As early as 1887 interest in this
institution was shown by the Executive Council which referred a peti-
tion that it had received to the convention of that year. The delegates
showed no enthusiasm and contented themselves with laying the peti-
tion on the table. Nothing more happened until 1901 when a petition
was presented to the delegates at the Brown Convention. This request
came from a society known as Lambda Nu. This society had been
founded during the school year 1898-1899 by a group of students who
were interested in greater social advantages than they were then receiv-
ing. They seemed to have formed themselves into what they chose to
call the Carnation Club and to have hired rooms at one of the city
hotels for purposes of weekly meetings. The Carnation Club soon
entered into campus activity and gained for itself local recognition.
It was felt, however, by its founders that further growth demanded
affiliation with some national fraternity. At this juncture, Irwin G.
401 Annual, 1898-1901, Quarterly, XIX:67-74, John Mills to S. Hall, Sept. 14, 1900,
Minutes of the Executive Council, Oct. 9, 1900.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 273
Jennings, Marietta '98, told Ralph C. Miller and Albert A. Miller, who
were his close friends, of the merits of Delta Upsilon. These two
students then undertook to pattern the life of the Carnation Club in a
manner that might make it acceptable as a chapter of Delta Upsilon.
By 1900 thanks to the help of the local alumni, notably Allen T.
Williamson, Marietta '98, the Carnation Club reorganized itself as
Lambda Nu, taking as its motto the phrase "We Count on Victory."
Backed up by the alumni, Lambda Nu sent a delegation of nine men,
including Professor Wallace S. Elden, Colby '89 to present a petition
to the delegates assembled at Brown in 1901. This delegation was
allowed to present its case, after which the convention voted to appoint
a committee to investigate and report at the next meeting. 402
This committee appears to have carried out these instructions and
at the 1902 meeting it reported that for the present at least conditions
did not warrant entrance into Ohio State University. At this conven-
tion almost the entire membership of Lambda Nu was present to plead
its case. Having listened to these men the convention resolved that
while Delta Upsilon was not ready to grant a charter still "we commend
their high ideas . . . and we express to them our hope that they will
continue their efforts in the line of advance." Although Lambda Nu
was disappointed renewed efforts were undertaken. The society itself
was reorganized and new members were secured. A petition was also
drafted and forwarded to the 1903 Convention. At this meeting a
favorable report was submitted by the Committee of the Whole. The
delegates, however, rejected the report and asked that further investi-
gation take place. Lambda Nu only interpreted this action as meaning
that she must exert herself to even greater efforts. Accordingly a
chapter house was leased and with the warm support of both alumni
and undergraduate a new petition was laid before the Chicago Con-
vention of 1904. Stanley F. Rankin and Benjamin P, Brooks of
Lambda Nu were allowed to present the claims of their society. Where-
upon the delegates after some discussion voted to grant the long
sought charter. On December 9, 1904 Penfield and Smalley in behalf
of the Fraternity formally installed the Ohio State Chapter of Delta
Upsilon. 403
Forty-seven men were initiated at this installation which took place
at the Hartman Hotel, Columbus, Ohio. At this time the chapter was
housed at 211 West Eleventh Avenue. In 1905 quarters were obtained
at 138 West Ninth Avenue and in 1907 the chapter moved into its
** Annual, 1887, 1901, Quarterly, XXIII:88-8g Irwin G. Jennings, though of the
class of 1898, left college before that year and was not graduated until 1910.
- ** Annual, 1902-1904, Quarterly, XXIII:8i-gi.
274 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
present quarters at 32 East Sixteenth Avenue. Ohio State has been
represented at all of the national conventions, though she has never
acted as host to the Fraternity.
A year after the establishment of Ohio, Delta Upsilon installed a
chapter at the University of Illinois. The genesis of this body goes
back to the fall of 1901 when a group of seven students formed them-
selves into a loose organization for better social contacts. So successful
was the effort that on September 19, 1902 these men founded the
"K. K. Club/' which during the course of the year gained recognition
for itself from the existing fraternities. At this time, certain members
of the Northwestern Chapter who were known to Emery R. Hayhurst
and L. F. Steube of the "K. K. Club" expressed a wish that a chapter
of Delta Upsilon might be planted at Illinois. On the basis of these
contacts the Illinois men determined to approach Delta Upsilon for a
charter. Accordingly, on October 15, 1903 a formal petition was for-
warded to the Fraternity, while Hayhurst and Thomas B. Wade,
Pennsylvania '98, went to the Chicago Convention of 1904 to present
the claims of the petitioners. The delegates having just granted a
charter to Ohio State did not feel inclined to admit a society that had
only been before them a year. The "K. K. Club/' while disappointed,
girded themselves for another year. New members were secured and
a house was arranged for and built. Edward Corrigan, John Frost and
Gerald Finlay, moreover, represented the society at the 1905 Conven-
tion where the delegates voted to accept the petitioning group. Thorn-
ton B. Penfield in behalf of the Fraternity installed the Illinois Chapter
on December 21, 1905 at the Elk's Auditorium in Champaign, while
thirty-five men were initiated. At this event a movement was started
towards the building of a more permanent home. At that time the
chapter was housed at 412 East Green Street. In the fall of 1921 a new
home was purchased at 202 East Green Street, and in the fall of 1926
the chapter moved into its present home on Armory Avenue. Illinois
has been represented at every annual meeting of Delta Upsilon since
its foundation, though she has never acted as host to the general
Fraternity. 404
Approximately five years after Illinois had been planted a chapter
was located at the University of Washington. Delta Upsilon's interest
in Washington was first aroused by a letter received by the Executive
Council in September, 1907. This communication was from Donald
S. Birkett who after having told about the condition of his University
* Annual, 1903-1904, Quarterly, XXIV.Sy-gs, Petition of K. K. Club, Oct. 15,
1903, N. A. Wells to W. O. Raymond, Oct. 10, 1905.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 275
and the fraternities that existed there asked for information relative
to the policy of Delta Upsilon in respect to expansion. From the nature
of the letter one may conclude that Birkett was speaking in behalf of
several students who were anxious to establish relations with some
general fraternity. Shortly thereafter Birkett and his friends organized
themselves into the Iota Delta fraternity (November 21, 1907) , rented
a house and laid plans for petitioning Delta Upsilon. In the meantime
a group of Delta U's at Seattle had taken steps towards the formation
of what became the Puget Sound Delta Upsilon Club. Among other
things this association showed a decided interest in the founding of a
chapter at the state university, a proposition which was fostered by
Almon H. Fuller, Lafayette '97. Fuller seems to have known of Iota
Delta but it was not until the spring of 1908 that the Club showed
any great interest in the local society. 405
Contact with these men inspired the members of Iota Delta to sub-
mit a formal petition to the delegates of the 1908 Convention. The
delegates, however, voted to lay the petition over for a year during
which time the Executive Council was to make an investigation. This
the Council undertook by asking Charles T. Hutson, Wisconsin '99,
who was then living at Connell, Washington, to investigate the local
society. Hutson seems to have visited Iota Delta and reported that the
society was in a sound condition and had the good will of the President
of the University. Walter A. Chowen, Minnesota '91 also reported that
the Puget Sound Club had been entertained by Iota Delta and that
the opinion of the alumni was favorable towards the society. The
Executive Council, however, believed that the acceptance of Iota Delta
should be deferred until another year. As a result the delegates to the
1909 Convention voted to lay the petition on the table for a year.
Birkett, who was present at this meeting and had voiced his sentiments
in favor of the petitioners, informed the local group of the result
which only urged the men to greater efforts. Accordingly another peti-
tion was presented at the 1910 Convention, which was held at San
Francisco, and this time the delegates voted to admit the petitioners.
On December 9, 1910 at the Arctic Club in Seattle, Paul C. Harper,
Stanford '03, installed the Washington Chapter and initiated twenty-
four active and graduate members. Since that date the chapter has
been present at every convention and in 1925 acted as host to the
general Fraternity. Among the members of this chapter who have
figured in Fraternity work mention should be made of Marsh M.
Corbitt. In 1910 the chapter was located at 4554 Sixteenth Avenue.
* Quarterly , XXIX: 143-149, D. S. Birkett to Executive Council, Sept. 19, 1907.
276 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
In November of the next year the chapter's home was 4504 Sixteenth
Avenue where it remained until March, 1919 when new quarters were
found at 4616 Twenty-First Avenue. Later the chapter house was at
5308 Eighteenth Avenue and 5015 Seventeenth Avenue. At present
the Washington Chapter is located at 1818 East Forty-Fifth Street. 40 **
Washington was followed by Pennsylvania State in December, 1911.
As far back as 1894 the Fraternity had its attention turned towards
this college. At that time Maurice J. Thompson of the Rutgers Chapter
was a member of the faculty of Penn State. To him came a group of
young men in the fall of 1894 asking for information relative to Delta
Upsilon. Thompson relayed this to Fairbanks with the comment that
he felt favorably disposed. Fairbanks thanked Thompson for his in-
terest and suggested that the students organize and present a formal
petition. Nothing further is known of these efforts and it seems safe to
assume that the matter was dropped for some reason or other. Eleven
years later a group of sincere and earnest students met in one of the
college dormitories and seriously considered whether there was a field
at that time for another fraternity at Penn State. An affirmative deci-
sion was reached, whereupon these men organized themselves into a
temporary society. This action was taken on October i, 1905. During
the next year a house was rented and new members added, but what
is more significant contact was made with Professors George G. Pond,
Joseph H. Tudor and Frederick W. Beal, all members of Delta Upsilon.
Phi Tau, for such was the name of the local group, was at once stirred
to action. It was intended to send a delegation to the Middlebury Con-
vention of 1 906 but through some misunderstanding this was not done.
A hastily prepared application was wired, however; though the Annual
contains no reference to the same. 407
During the following year the interests of Phi Tau were aided by
Professors Alva Agee and James P. Calderwood, both Delta U's. In the
spring of 1907 Phi Tau submitted to the Executive Council its first
formal petition. No investigation seems to have taken place though
the Executive Council in its report to the delegates referred to the fact
that a petition had been received. Charles R. Stahl of Phi Tau spoke
in behalf of his society. The delegates, however, laid the petition on
the table with a request that the Executive Council investigate condi-
tions at Penn State. Not daunted by this delay Phi Tau informed the
406 Quarterly, op. cit., Annual, 1908-1910, Minutes of the Executive Council, Dec.
12, 1908, April 17, 1909, Fairbanks to Smalley, Dec. 22, 1908, W. A. Chowen to Fair-
banks, May 19, 1909, C. T. Hutson to Executive Council, Mar. 26, 1909, Minutes
of the Board of Trustees, Dec. 2, 1910.
. J. Thompson to Fairbanks, Sept. 23, Oct. 21, 1894, Quarterly, XXX:n.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 277
Executive Council that it intended to increase its efforts and present
another petition. Supported by the Delta Upsilon members on the
faculty another attempt was made. Before the convention, however,
Botsford and Smalley of the Executive Council seem to have visited
Penn State. Their findings were reported to the delegates who also
listened to the pleas of the Phi Tau delegation. The Committee of
the Whole voted to grant a charter, but upon roll call of the chapters
a motion to admit Phi Tau was lost. A similar result took place at the
1909 and 1910 Conventions. During 1910 Swan visited Penn State.
His report together with the arguments presented by Alexander P.
Gray, the delegate of the petitioning society, convinced the delegates
of the wisdom of granting a charter, at the 1911 Convention. The
installation took place at the College Auditorium, December 8, 1911
in the presence of a number of the Council, Trustees and visiting
Delta U's. Fifty-one active and graduate members of Phi Tau were at
the same time initiated into Delta Upsilon. 408
At that time Penn State Chapter was occupying a rented house.
In September, 1916 a home was acquired which served the chapter
until the fall of 1923 when the present house was purchased. Delegates
from Penn State have been present at every annual convention, though
the chapter has never been host to the Fraternity. Among the graduates
of this chapter who have given of their time and effort for the advance-
ment of Delta Upsilon should be mentioned Bruce S. Gramley, at
present Treasurer of the Fraternity.
The next chapter in order of establishment was that at Iowa State
College. At the 1882 Convention the delegates appointed a committee
composed of Michigan and Marietta to investigate Iowa State with
a view to establishing a chapter. This committee rendered an adverse
report in 1883, and, although Iowa was never completely forgotten,
it was not until the spring of 1907 that the Fraternity again had its
attention directed that way. Then it was that a local group known as
Noit Aurats communicated with the Executive Council as to its policy
towards expansion. At the same time the merits of Iowa State as well
as the local society were set forth. Nothing seems to have resulted from
this overture. 409 In the meantime, however, there had been born at
Iowa State in the fall of 1904 a society which was known as the Colon-
nades. According to Thomas R. Truax, Iowa State '12, "Unsatisfactory
408 Quarterly, XXX.2-i6, Annual, 1907-1911, Minutes of the Executive Council,
April 12, 1907, C. R. Stall to Smalley, Sept. 19, 1907, Delta Upsilon Faculty at Penn
State to Smalley, Mar. 26, 1907, Botsford to Smalley, Oct. 10, 1908, G. F. Speer to
Smalley, May 2, 1908.
409 Annual, 1882, 1883, Noit Aurats to Delta Upsilon, April 8, 1907.
278 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
social conditions and housing accommodations, brought about chiefly
by the rapid growth of the college, were the primary motives for the
formation of the new society. Lack of understanding among the stu-
dents and the tolerance of low standards within the fraternities had
resulted in an unfortunate condition of hostility between the frater-
nity and non-fraternity men. As a result the society specified in its
constitution that the organization should be anti-secret. This was
changed later but the democratic ideals of the society have always been
recognized by both the faculty and student body." 410
Between 1904 and 1909 the Colonnades had done much to improve
the fraternity situation at Ames. For itself energetic measures were
undertaken to maintain a strong internal organization and in 1908 the
Colonnades were incorporated under the state laws of Iowa. The fol-
lowing year witnessed the acquisition of a house that had been built
expressly for the society. These forward looking steps led many within
the society to cast about for affiliation with one of the national fra-
ternities, with the result that Delta Upsilon was selected. Shortly
thereafter a petition was drafted and forwarded to the Secretary of
the Fraternity who presented the same to the 1909 Convention. The
delegates reacted by placing the petition on the table for a year. A
result somewhat similar took place in 1910, though this time the Con-
vention voted to have the society investigated. Accordingly the Execu-
tive Council appointed a committee to visit Ames and report their
findings. Information respective to the Colonnades was placed before
the 1911 Convention both by the investigating committee and by
Harry Tyson, delegate of the local society. After some discussion the
convention voted to refer the petition to the next convention. Although
disappointed, the Colonnades with the assistance of nine men left to
present their claims at the Madison Convention of 1912. In the mean-
time Swan and Rowe seem to have visited Ames and to have rendered
a report of their findings. The attitude of the Executive Council was
revealed in its report to the convention. In this the Council asked the
Fraternity to consider seriously the wisdom of entering a college that
had no department of liberal arts. A chapter, to be sure, had been
established at the Institute of Technology, but whether Delta Upsilon
wanted to depart from past practices was a matter that the Council
would not advise. Possibly it was this factor that led some of the
chapters to oppose a motion granting a charter to the Colonnades.
The effect of this negative vote all but convinced the local society to
look elsewhere. Under the stimulus of the alumni, however, the Colon-
Quarterly,
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 279
nades determined to try again. Accordingly a fifth petition was drafted
and presented to the 1913 Convention and this time the delegates
unanimously voted a charter. Installation took place December 6, 1913
at Alumni Hall. Swan was in charge of the ceremonies, while he and
Markham and Roe administered the pledges to fifty-six members. At
this time the Iowa State Chapter was housed in its own home at 209
Hyland Avenue. Later in 1930 it moved to 320 Ellis Avenue and at
present it is located at 117 Ash Street. Iowa State has been present at
every convention, though she has never been host to the Fraternity. 411
Exactly one year after the founding of Iowa State, Delta Upsilon
entered Purdue University. The petitioning society that received a
charter was known as the Cleofan Club. This organization first made
its appearance on the Purdue campus during 1902 although it was not
until 1904 that anything like a permanent society was created. Those
who were interested in this movement were influenced largely by social
and fraternal motives. So successful were the founders of this group in
the selection of men and in the pursuit of their objectives that in 1910
a fifteen room house was rented. Here the men of this society were
given greater opportunity to foster their friendships. The acquisition
of this home indicated a permanency that argued, in the minds of the
members, for affiliation with some national organization. Accordingly
in 1910 after some deliberation and advice on the part of a few local
Delta U's, Delta Upsilon was picked as the Fraternity that most closely
suited their needs. A formal petition was forwarded to the convention
of that year but appears to have arrived too late for any consideration.
The following year another petition was sent and although referred
to in the report of the Council no action of any kind was taken by the
delegates. 412
The Cleofan Club seems to have understood that it could only gain
admission after Delta Upsilon had thoroughly investigated both the
society and Purdue. For that year the hopes of these men was only
stirred to greater efforts. Five delegates were sent to the Madison Con-
vention at which time an opportunity was afforded these men to
present their petition. The convention, however, denied their request,
though the Executive Council was asked to undertake an investigation
of conditions at Purdue. On November 24, 1912, therefore, the Execu-
tive Council voted to send Roe and Wineland to examine the peti-
tioners as well as Donald H. Hollingsworth of the Chicago Delta
Upsilon Club. Neighboring chapters were also asked to look into the
^Annual, 1909-1913, Quarterly,
** Quarterly, XXXIII.S-g, Annual, 1911.
5>8o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
situation. The findings of these various investigators were presented
to the delegates at the 1913 Convention. This body, however, after
some discussion finally denied the request of the Cleofan Club. In 1914
another petition was received and this time the Convention voted a
charter. The installation took place at the Y. M. C. A. Hall; Swan,
Broomell, Laidlaw, Roe and Markham being in charge. Forty-nine
men were also initiated into the Purdue Chapter of Delta Upsilon,
December 6, 1914. At that time the chapter was housed at 128 Wiggins
Street. In 1919 a home was acquired at 103 Andrews Place. Here the
chapter remained until 1925 when a fire destroyed the chapter house.
For the next two years temporary quarters were secured and in the
fall of 1927 the chapter moved into their present home at 341 North-
western Avenue. Purdue was represented at every annual convention
and in 1929 cooperated in entertaining the Fraternity at West Baden,
Indiana. 413
The Indiana Chapter also aided in arranging for the comfort of the
1929 Convention. The inception of this chapter goes back to 1910,
though interest in the University of Indiana was evidenced as early as
1886. In June of that year William P. Shannon, Miami '73, informed
Crossett of the flourishing condition of the University and of the
presence of several brothers on the Faculty. Shannon urged Crossett
to investigate the matter. Crossett appears to have looked into the
matter and to have considered the possibility of urging the "Inde-
pendent Society" to petition for a charter. Nothing, however, ever
materialized either then or in 1895 when the Executive Council laid
on the table a petition that had been received from a local organization
at Indiana. 414 Later, in 1902, there was organized at Indiana a so-called
Wranglers Club. The founders were primarily interested in debate
and literary exercises, which were held in the rooms of the members.
According to the constitution of this society membership, for some
unknown reason, was limited to thirteen men whose interest in their
organization waxed to so great an extent that in 1904 quarters were
rented in an uptown hall. In the same year the restriction on the
number of men was removed and the society grew rapidly in strength
and influence. Although literary effort still occupied most of the life
of the group, attention was paid to college activities as well as to social
affairs. In 1906 new quarters were secured, but the following year
418 Annual, 1912-1914, Quarterly, XXXIII: 1-10, Minutes of the Executive Council,
Nov. 24, 1912.
^W. P. Shannon to Crossett, June 2, 1886, J. C. Branner to Crossett, April 2,
Dec. 17, 1887, Oct. 8, 1888, Minutes of the Executive Council, Nov. 29, 1895,
Quarterly, XXXIV: 15-16.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 281
the society moved closer to the campus and here they remained for the
next eight years.
In the course of one of their literary meetings in 1908 a debate arose
as to the merits of the general fraternities, and out of this grew a
feeling that the Wranglers might well consider affiliation with one of
these societies. Investigation led in time to Delta Upsilon which ap-
peared to the Wranglers as being most like their own society. Finally
in 1910 the society determined to petition Delta Upsilon and the
attention of the Fraternity at the convention that year was directed
towards Indiana and the local group. This petition was laid on the
table by the delegates, though the Executive Council was asked to
investigate the society. No investigation took place. The Wranglers,
however, went ahead with their plans and submitted another petition.
Harlan S. Yenne presented the claims of the local group at the 1911
Convention. The delegates after some debate voted to lay the request
on the table for another year. Once again, therefore, in 1912 and 1913
the convention considered the Wranglers with the result that the dele-
gates voted both times to deny the request of this society. Shortly
thereafter the Executive Council informed the Wranglers that while
they might continue to petition if they wished, still there was con-
siderable doubt in the minds of many as to the strength of their club.
The Wranglers, however, refused to accept defeat and brought another
petition before the 1914 Convention, where once again a denial was
voted by the delegates. In 1915, however, the matter appeared again.
By this time the Fraternity at large had come to realize that there was
distinct merit in the petitioning group which was being rather warmly
supported by the De Pauw Chapter and alumni in that vicinity.
Accordingly after some discussion the convention unanimously voted
a charter to the Wranglers. Installation took place December 11, 1915
at the Student Building, the ceremonies being conducted by Arthur
E. Bestor. In 1920 the chapter moved into its new home at 1200 East
Third Street where they are at present. Indiana has been present at
every general Fraternity convention. 415
The Fiftieth Chapter of Delta Upsilon, if one counts Vermont, was
placed at Carnegie Institute of Technology, December 15, 1917. This
institution was founded in 1905 and during the course of the following
year a group of students formed themselves for fraternal purposes in
what was known as the Pioneer Tech Club, which was the first fra-
ternity established at Carnegie. Rooms were rented in a private home
** Annual, 1910-1915, Quarterly, XXXIV: 15-17, Delta Upsilon Fraternity to
Wranglers, Nov. 12, 1912, Minutes of the Executive Council, Oct. 19, 1913.
s>82 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
not far from the campus and in 1907 arrangements were made with a
cooperative club to use their house as a meeting place for the Pioneer
Tech Society. Shortly thereafter the cooperative club was absorbed by
the Pioneer men and at the beginning of the school year of 1908 the
society reorganized itself as the Sigma Tau Fraternity. From then on
to 1913 Sigma Tau played an active r61e in campus life and soon
attracted the attention of several Delta U's on the Faculty and in the
Western Pennsylvania Delta Upsilon Club. One of these, Luther K.
Yoder, became so interested that in October, 1913 he wrote a letter
of introduction to the delegates of Sigma Tau who intended to present
a petition at the Rochester Convention of 1913. The delegates at that
meeting voted to refer the petition to the Executive Council for investi-
gation along with the report of the Western Pennsylvania Club, which
on its own initiative had examined the society and found it to be
worthy of admission into Delta Upsilon. 416
At a meeting of the Council, March 21, 1914, Roe reported his visit
to Pittsburgh. Although there is no record of his findings available, it is
evident that he was favorably impressed as the Council called the
delegates' attention to the society in its report at the 1914 Convention.
This body, however, refused to grant a charter. A similar action was
taken by the delegates in 1915. Sigma Tau, however, refused to con-
sider this as final. Communications were addressed to interested
persons, while the Western Pennsylvania Club gave the society its
warmest endorsement. As a result the Board on Petitioning Societies,
which had been created but recently, undertook a fresh survey of the
entire situation. Lynne J. Bevan visited Pittsburgh in June, 1916, a
report of which was made in August of the same year. In addition the
Board sought information from a number of persons as well as from
the administrative heads of Carnegie Institute. On the basis of this
evidence the Board determined that it would recommend to the con-
vention that the petition itself be laid on the table and be referred
to the Board for further investigation. At the 1916 Convention, how-
ever, an attempt was made by certain chapters to push through a
favorable vote. This was defeated and Sigma Tau was referred to the
Council. During 1917 while no further investigation was made, the
Council continued to discuss Sigma Tau with the result that in June
of that year it decided to recommend to the convention that a charter
be granted. Such a recommendation was made and to the satisfaction
of all a charter was granted by the delegates of the 1917 Convention.
*" Petition of Sigma Tau Fraternity, October, 1913, Report of the Western Penn-
sylvania Delta Upsilon Club.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 283
In achieving this end, Sigma Tau was deeply indebted to the Western
Pennsylvania Club. Installation took place December 15, 1917 at the
Pittsburgh Medical Club, Edward Schreiner, Michigan '99, being in
charge of the ceremonies. At that time the chapter was housed at
153 North Craig Street Later they moved to Liberty Street and Baum
Avenue and at present are in their own home at 5035 Forbes Avenue.
Carnegie has been represented at every convention since her founding
and in 1921 cooperated with the local alumni in entertaining the
convention.
Kansas was the next addition to the chapter roll of Delta Upsilon.
Early in 1909 the Executive Council received a letter from a local
group known as Gamma Chi which wished to petition Delta Upsilon.
Nothing, however, materialized from this overture and it was not until
April 11, 1915 that the attention of the Fraternity was again directed
towards Kansas. On that date the Executive Council read a communi-
cation from the Kanza Club advising the Fraternity of their decision
to petition Delta Upsilon for a charter. The Kanza Club was organized
November 20, 1912 and appears to have held meetings in the rooms
of its members until April, 1915 when it moved into a lented house.
In the same year the society was incorporated under the state laws of
Kansas and had as its objectives the welfare and betterment of student
life. In the meantime contact had been established with several mem-
bers of Delta Upsilon who were on the faculty and with the Kansas
City Delta Upsilon Club. The latter organization visited Lawrence
early in May, 1915 and was very favorably impressed with the petition-
ing group and the fraternity situation at Kansas. Accordingly in
September of the same year the Kansas City Club recommended that
a charter be granted to the local group as had already the Pan-Hellenic
Council of the University of Kansas. Later in the same month letters
of endorsement were received from the Chancellor of that institution as
well as from Clarence A. Dykstra, Karl J. Holzinger and Goldwin
Goldsmith, Delta U's on the faculty. A formal petition, moreover,
signed by seventeen active members of the Kanza Club was presented
to the 1915 Convention. In view of the fact that the Executive Council
had had no time to consider this petition the delegates voted to lay
the request on the table.
During the following year the Kanza Club continued its work for a
charter and was able to secure an investigation by the Board on Peti-
tioning Societies. Personal visits by Clifford Swan and Clifford Roe as
well as a number of communications on the part of interested alumni
convinced the Board that a charter should be granted. Accordingly
284 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
at the 1916 Convention the delegates were informed that it was the
opinion of the Board that the Fraternity should enter the University
of Kansas. After some discussion, however, the delegates voted down
the petition. During 1917 further investigation took place, and once
again the delegates were asked to vpte a charter. The convention,
however, denied this request and no tiling more transpired until 1919,
due to America's participation in the World War. In that year the
General Secretary of the Fraternity visited Kansas and his report was
so favorable that the Board on Petitioning Societies was led to recom-
mend at the 1919 Convention that a charter be granted. And this time
the delegates acted favorably upon the request. The installation was
arranged for by the Council and took place January 10, 1920 at the
local Congregational Church. At this time Kansas was housed at 1215
Oread Avenue where they remained until the fall of 1929 at which
time the chapter moved into its present home at 1025 W. Hills Park-
way. Kansas has been represented at every convention and in 1931
cooperated with the Kansas City Club in entertaining the General
Fraternity. 417
Two years after the installation of Kansas, Oregon State was received
into the Fraternity. The Oregon State Chapter was originally formed
November 7, 1913 as the Osolito Club. Organized for social purposes
this group grew in size and local importance and in 1915 directed its
attention towards membership in Delta Upsilon. Gaining the help of
certain Delta U's on the faculty of Oregon State Agricultural College,
notably Ralph D. Hetzel, Wisconsin '06, a formal petition was ad-
dressed to the Executive Council. The petition was received after the
1915 Convention had met and it was not until September, 1916 that
the Fraternity took the petitioners under consideration. By this time
the Osolito Club had reorganized itself into the Gamma Tau Beta
Fraternity and had become incorporated under the Oregon State Laws.
In accordance, however, with a recent ruling of the convention the
petition was automatically laid on the table for a year pending investi-
gation by the Board on Petitioning Societies. No serious inquiry seems
to have been undertaken and there is no evidence at hand to show
that Gamma Tau Beta presented another petition in 1917. In March,
1919, after the Fraternity had resumed its ordinary activity which had
been retarded by reason of the war, the Board turned its attention to
Oregon State. Herbert Wheaton Congdon visited Corvallis, at the
417 The facts relative to the Kanza Club may be found in their petitions of 1915,
1916, 1917 and 1919, Minutes of the Board on Petitioning Societies, Minutes of the
Executive Council and Council, and the Quarterly, XXXVIII: 136-140.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 285
request of interested alumni, and while he found conditions rather
favorable, recommended that further investigation should take place.
Congdon believed that both the society and the college were still too
new to warrant any commitment at the time. Information along this
line was laid before the 1919 Convention which voted to lay the peti-
tion of Gamma Tau Beta on the table. During the following year
further inquiry was conducted, and, although the Board felt kindly
disposed towards the petitioners, it was reluctant to recommend it to
the convention. In brief the position taken by the Board was that the
society itself needed a larger alumni body so as to make permanent
the splendid growth and standards that had been maintained since its
founding. Further, it was argued that the Fraternity at large should
weigh carefully the question of entering an institution which was
chiefly devoted to agricultural activities. The Board, however, did not
pass any judgment on this question but believed that more time was
needed for investigation. As a result of this recommendation the 1920
Convention laid the petition on the table.
During the year that followed, the Board studied the situation and
came to the conclusion that both the society and the college measured
up to the standards requisite for admission into the Fraternity. A rec-
ommendation to this effect was presented to the delegates at the 1921
Convention with the result that a charter was granted. Installation
took place January 14, 1922 at the chapter house, 28 North State Street.
Two years later the chapter moved into its own home at Twenty-Fifth
and Van Buren Streets. Oregon State has been represented at every
convention since its foundation and assisted in making the 1925 Con-
vention at Seattle a great success. 418
Three months after the installation of Oregon State a charter was
conferred upon the Delta Alpha Fraternity of the University of Vir-
ginia. Late in 1906 Delta Upsilon had its attention turned towards
Virginia as the result of certain overtures made by a local society
known as Delta Omega. The Executive Council looked with some
favor upon this society and asked the Convention to give the peti-
tioners consideration. The delegates, however, at the 1906 gathering
voted to have a thorough examination made, but when this informa-
tion was passed on to Delta Omega, that society replied that it could
not afford to wait another year and accordingly withdrew its petition.
It may be that Delta Omega changed its mind as Thornton B. Penfield
418 Data relative to Oregon State may be found in their petitions, 1916-21, Minutes
of the Board on Petitioning Societies, Quarterly, XL: 137-139, and R. M. Jackman
to C. Swan, Sept. 29, 1915.
286 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
visited Virginia in April, 1908 and reported to the Executive Council
on the fraternity situation there. Whether a petitioning group existed
or not is not clearly established though there is reason to believe that
there was, 419 Nothing more is heard of Virginia until the spring of
1915 when John Broomell reported to Swan that he had received a
letter from a local society relative to membership in the Fraternity.
Broomell favored Virginia as a field for expansion and saw no vital
objection against entering southern institutions. No further evidence
is at hand in respect to this event and it was not until the spring of
1920 that Delta Upsilon again turned its attention towards Virginia. 420
In the meantime there had been formed, February 7, 1920 a local
society known as Delta Alpha, the founders of which from the very
first desired membership in Delta Upsilon. The inception of this local
should be credited to Joseph F. Hunter, New York '21, who matric-
ulated at Virginia in September, 1919. Hunter finding conditions there
favorable for fraternity expansion expressed his willingness in a letter
to Herbert Congdon to undertake the foundation of a society that
would look for ultimate membership in Delta Upsilon. Congdon
encouraged Hunter with the result that Delta Alpha was founded as
mentioned above. A little later Hunter forwarded to Congdon a formal
petition which was referred to the 1920 Convention. This body ac-
cepted the recommendation of the Board on Petitioning Societies and
voted to lay the matter on the table for a year. At a meeting of the
Board in June, 1921, Swan, who had visited Virginia a year before,
spoke most enthusiastically about the university and urged Delta
Upsilon's entrance. After some discussion the Board voted to recom-
mend to the convention that a charter be granted to Delta Alpha, to
become effective within the discretion of the Directors and in accord-
ance with the constitution. The 1921 Convention considered this report
and answered by voting a charter. As a result Swan, Patterson, Congdon
and several others visited Charlottesville and installed the Virginia
Chapter of Delta Upsilon. The ceremonies were held at the Dolly
Madison Inn on April 8, 1922. The Virginia Chapter does not own
a chapter house though steps are being taken to acquire one. Virginia
has been represented at every convention since its foundation. 421
From Virginia the Fraternity moved out into the Middle West by
founding a chapter at Missouri. Outside of a communication addressed
419 W. J. Davis to A. E. Bestor, Oct. 22, 1906, Jan. n, 1907, Minutes of the Execu-
tive Council, April 12, 1907, Report of T. B. Penfield, April 27, 1908.
420 J. Broomell to C. Swan, May 14, 1915.
421 See Minutes of the Board on Petitioning Societies, Quarterly, XL: 245 -247, and
Delta Alpha Folder, which contains copies of petitions, letters, etc.
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 287
to the Executive Council in 1893 relative to the procedure followed by
the Fraternity in respect to petitioning societies, no other reference to
Missouri has been found until 1909. In that year one R. E. Holloway
wrote to Smalley asking for information as to Delta Upsilon. Holloway,
it appears, had it in mind to submit a petition, though none seems to
have been forwarded, and with that the entire episode was forgotten. 422
In the same year, however, there was organized by eight students in
the School of Journalism a professional and social organization known
as the Dana Press Club. Five years later, after the society had grown in
size and influence, the club was incorporated under the Missouri State
Laws. By 1920 the members had become convinced that further growth
necessitated membership in some national fraternity and Delta Upsilon
was selected as the objective of these desires. Accordingly in January,
1921 Harry B. Shepard addressed a communication to the Fraternity
asking for information relative to Delta Upsilon and its extension
policy. Congdon replied giving the required information and sug-
gested that Shepard get in touch with the alumni in Kansas City and
St. Louis as well as nearby chapters. Encouraged by this answer,
Shepard forwarded in the fall of the same year a petition, which,
however, seems to have arrived too late for consideration by the con-
vention. The Board on Petitioning Societies reviewed the petition in
February, 1925 and referred the same to a special committee for in-
vestigation. This committee, after some study, reported that the Dana
Press Club should be encouraged but that for the present no charter
should be granted. It was also suggested that the Club bolster its
scholastic standing and secure the support of a larger number of its
alumni. Information of this nature was referred to the 1922 Convention
which, after some debate, laid the petition on the table.
During January, 1923 a personal investigation was made by Herbert
Congdon. Congdon was very well pleased with the situation and
thought that both the University and the Club merited careful con-
sideration. He was, however, of the opinion that no charter should be
granted until 1924, provided that by that time the Club had continued
its growth and standing. Doubtless the Dana Press Club knew in a
general way what Congdon's reactions were and anxious to hurry
matters along sent one of their alumni, Dr. Ellsworth Moody to New
York to plead their case. Moody was the guest of the Board on Peti-
tioning Societies on May 25, 1923 and so well did he argue for his
society and college that the Board voted to recommend to the conven-
423 Samuel Sparwood to E. J Thomas, Mar. 30, 1893, R. E. Holloway to Smalley,
Aug. 16, 1909.
288 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
tion that a charter be granted as soon as possible. The delegates,
however, refused to accept this recommendation and voted to lay the
petition on the table. Believing that the Dana Press Club was entitled
to a favorable vote, the Board on Petitioning Societies arranged to
have Clyde J. Heath and William J. Norton visit Missouri. Both of
these men carried out their instructions and reported most enthusi-
astically in favor of the Club. Similar reactions were obtained from
alumni at St. Louis. Bolstered by this evidence the Board strongly
recommended that a charter be granted at the 1924 Convention. This
body accepted the recommendation which was later concurred in by
the Assembly. Installation followed December 6, 1924 at the Daniel
Boone Tavern, Clifford Swan being master of ceremonies. At this time
Missouri occupied a rented house at 902 University Avenue. Later in
1930 the Chapter moved into its present home at 601 Kentucky Avenue.
Missouri has been represented at every convention and in 1931 assisted
in entertaining the Fraternity at Kansas City. 423
A year after the foundation of Missouri, a chapter was established
at the University of Iowa. During the winter of 1919-1930 a group of
Iowa men conceived the idea of forming a social fraternity. It was
their belief that Iowa needed a new national fraternity. After some
thought as to the local fraternity situation, this group came to the
conclusion that Delta Upsilon should be the goal of their endeavors.
Doubtless they knew that Professor Franklin H. Potter, Colgate '92,
was a member of the Fraternity as they seem to have approached him,
possibly as early as the spring of 1920. Potter outlined to these men
the purposes and ideals of Delta Upsilon and encouraged them to go
ahead with their plans. Early in November, moreover, Potter informed
Congdon of what had transpired and asked for advice and counsel.
Congdon's reply resulted in the receipt of a letter from Verne Bonnett
who informed Congdon that the society was known as Kappa Beta Psi
and that it was incorporated under the laws of the State of Iowa.
During 1951 further correspondence took place though there is no
evidence to prove that the Board on Petitioning Societies ever dis-
cussed the matter or that a petition was presented at the convention
of that year. In the meantime, however, Kappa Beta Psi was strengthen-
ing itself at home. A house was rented at 15 East Harrison Street and
contacts were established with a number of Delta U's from nearby
cities. A letter outlining the aims and activities of the society were
sent to all of the chapters.
*** See Dana Press Club Folder, Annual, 1922-1924, Minutes of the Board on
Petitioning Societies and Quarterly,
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 289
Hearing of these activities Congdon visited the society in February,
1922. Congdon's reactions were that Kappa Beta Psi had a distinct
future and that while it needed further guidance and growth that the
Fraternity should encourage the men, particularly as the University
itself was a favorable field for expansion. These facts were presented
to the Board which after some discussion made them the basis for a
recommendation to the 1925 Convention. This recommendation was
that the petition be laid on the table for further investigation. The
delegates accepted this and the Board renewed its work in 1923. Julian
F. Rowe visited the society in January, 1923 and while he found con-
ditions not unfavorable still believed that further growth was needed
and that the local Delta U alumni at Davenport would have to show
more real interest than they had in the petitioning group. Rowe was
of the opinion that the Fraternity had better lay the petition on the
table for another year or two. Accordingly the 1923 Convention denied
the request of the petitioners. During the following year, Kappa Beta
Psi continued its work and was able to gain the active support of the
Tri-Cities Delta Upsilon Club. This Club showed its interest by ad-
dressing a letter to the various alumni clubs and to the Board on
Petitioning Societies strongly urging the granting of a charter. The
Board, however, was of the opinion that Iowa would have to wait,
particularly as it was more vitally concerned with the petitioners from
Missouri and Dartmouth. The delegates, therefore, at the 1924 Con-
vention voted to lay the Iowa petition on the table for another year.
During the year that followed enthusiasm for Iowa greatly increased
and at the Seattle Convention in 1925 the delegates voted a charter
to Kappa Beta Psi. Installation took place December 5, 1925 in the
House of Representatives Chamber in the State Capitol, William S.
Barker, President of the Fraternity being the master of ceremonies.
At that time Iowa occupied a rented house at 725 East College Street
and in September, 1929 moved into their own home at 320 Ellis Avenue.
Iowa has been present at every convention since her foundation.
At the 1926 Convention the delegates after considerable debate
granted petitions to both Dartmouth and Oklahoma. Both of these
chapters had been before the Fraternity for some time past. Dartmouth,
indeed, had been considered as early as 1869 during which year Middle-
bury asked Amherst to "help us start a chapter at Dartmouth if there
is anything to work upon." Evidently little was accomplished though
the Committee on New Chapters reported at the 1870 Convention
that Dartmouth was a favorable place for extension. Three years later
Middlebury was instructed to investigate conditions at Hanover while
s>go DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
in 1876 Cornell and Syracuse were asked to make a definite report at
the next convention. Nothing positive resulted, indeed it is extremely
doubtful if any investigation ever took place. Dartmouth, however,
was not forgotten and during the spring of 1884 there was some agita-
tion in favor of a local group known as Pi Kappa. Syracuse went so
far as to vote in one of its chapter meetings that a charter be granted,
while Middlebury urged Crossett to appoint a committee composed of
Colby and Amherst to look into the situation. This enthusiasm, how-
ever, resulted in no action being taken. Doubtless Crossett, who was
ever on the alert in such matters, gave it some thought as there are
scattering references in the Quarterly to Dartmouth as a field for fra-
ternity growth. On the other hand neither the Quarterly, Annual or
manuscript records of the Fraternity show that any informal investiga-
tion ever took place or that the matter was ever brought before the
convention. 424
During 1890 and 1891 Eidlitz and Thomas endeavored to find an
opening at Dartmouth, but were told by J. Q. Eaton, Marietta '93 who
was then attending Dartmouth that the situation was hopeless. 425 In
the fall, however, an opening did occur which was eagerly seized upon
by the Executive Council. Alpha Alpha Omega which had been
founded in November, 1897 then existed at Hanover as a local society.
Information about this group was brought to the attention of the
Executive Council by the Rutgers Chapter. Letters, moreover, from
several Delta U's were read before the Council at its meeting October
14, 1899. At the same time a delegate from this society addressed the
Council in behalf of his brothers who were anxious to become members
of Delta Upsilon. So impressed was the Executive Council by the
merits of the petitioners that a statement relative to Dartmouth was
presented at the 1899 Convention. A representative of Alpha Alpha
was allowed to address the convention, after which a prolonged debate
took place. Finally the convention passed a resolution expressing
interest in Alpha Alpha and instructed the Executive Council to
examine carefully into the situation and "act in accordance with its
judgment after said investigation, giving the Council power to grant
a charter." The petitioners immediately expressed their pleasure by
communicating with the Council and urged that body to take action
at once. Penfield, and a little later Thomas, visited Hanover and
reported in a most enthusiastic manner as to the group. In view, how-
434 Middlebury to Amherst, Oct. 2, 1869, Annual, 1870, 1873, 1876, Minutes of the
Syracuse Chapter, April 25, 1884, N. H. Snyder to Executive Council, May 13, 1884,
E. P. Miller to Crossett, June 23, 1884.
^Eidlitz to Thomas, Sept. 12, Oct. 17, 1891, C. W. Lisk to Thomas, April 12, 1890.
FULLERTON L WALDO
HARVARD '98
EDITOR AND AUTHOR
ERMAK J RIDGWAY
NORTHWESTERN -91
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
X Y Twits tfludw
ALEXANDER D NOYES
AMHERST '83
FINANCIAL EDITOR, N Y TIMES
Wide Woild
SMITH ELY JELLIFFE
COLUMBIA 89
NEUROLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST
ALBERT WARREN FERRIS
NEW YORK -78
PRESIDENT, NEW YORK STATE
COMMISSION IN LUNACY
WILLIAM SEAMAN BAINBRIDGE
COLUMBIA '93
SURGEON, U S DELEGATE TO
INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS OF
MILITARY MEDICINE
ROY D. MCCLURE
OHIO STATE '04
CHIEF SURGEON, HENRY FORD
HOSPITAL
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 291
ever, of certain opposition that had arisen among some of the chapters
against immediate installation the Council decided to refer the whole
matter to the convention. Penfield seems to have sensed the strength
of this opposition when he remarked in a letter to Hall that it would
be "a crying shame" to lose this splendid group.
At the 1900 Convention Mr. H. M. Hess appeared in behalf of
Alpha Alpha and so impressed the delegates that a committee com-
posed of the New England Chapters plus Cornell was asked to investi-
gate and report at the next annual meeting. When this committee
reported in 1901 it was found that there were two distinct groups
represented: one, composed of Colby, Middlebury, Bowdoin, Brown,
Harvard and Tufts, which argued in favor of prompt action; while
another, formed of Amherst, Cornell, Williams and Technology, was
entirely opposed. The majority believed that both the society and the
college were highly desirable and that many of the alumni of Delta
Upsilon had expressed themselves in favor of the petitioners. The
minority, on the other hand, frankly declared that local conditions at
Hanover did not favor our entrance, that the petitioning group was
below the standards of Delta Upsilon and that the Fraternity in any
event should be over-cautious about further expansion. At the same
time a petition signed by three hundred of the New England Alumni
was presented in favor of Alpha Alpha. Following this the convention
listened to the arguments advanced by six members of the local society.
Considerable debate then took place in the Committee of the Whole
by both the delegates and the alumni. This committee by a vote of
twenty to thirteen reported to the Convention in favor of granting a
charter. Upon roll call, however, twelve chapters voted against the
motion, thus nullifying the desires of the other twenty-one. By this
action Alpha Alpha Omega was denied a charter. 426
Five years later the Executive Council attempted to enlist the in-
terest of another Dartmouth local known as Chi Tau Kappa. This
society actually drafted a petition but at a later date withdrew the
same. From then on for a number of years the Council continued to
interest itself in Dartmouth but was unable to accomplish anything
that was definite. 427 In 1920, however, there was formed at Dartmouth
the Epsilon Kappa Phi society which ultimately became a chapter of
the Fraternity. The purpose behind this society was membership in
Delta Upsilon and in November, 1920 it announced this fact in a letter
^Annual, 1889-1901, Minutes of the Executive Council, Penfield to Hall, April 2,
1900, Bunker to Hall, Nov. 20, 1899.
^Annual, 1901-1915, F. S. Wilson to Patterson, Mar. 19, 1914, Chi Tau Kappa to
Executive Council, Nov. 15, 1906, Minutes of Board of Directors, Feb. 14, 1918.
29* DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
to the General Fraternity. Early in the next year a formal petition
was forwarded to the Executive Council, which at that time had before
it a request from the Cosmos Club of Dartmouth. Determined to lose
no time the Board on Petitioning Societies sent Congdon to Hanover
to investigate. Congdon reported that the situation at Dartmouth was
favorable for our entrance but that for the time being no decision
could be reached as to which of the two petitioners Delta Upsilon
should support. In the light of this evidence the Board was extremely
cautious and asked the Convention of 1921 to lay both petitions, as it
did, upon the table pending further investigation. During 1922 the
Board endeavored to arrive at a decision. After considerable thought
and correspondence, the Board recommended that the petition of
Epsilon Kappa be laid on the table again. This the convention
voted to do.
The following year the Board continued its investigations, inter-
viewed a number of interested individuals and sent several of its
members to Hanover. In the meantime the petitioners entertained the
six nearby chapters in an effort to win their good will and support.
On the basis of these facts the Board strongly recommended to the
delegates assembled at the 1923 meeting the granting of a charter.
In the opinion of the Board both the college and the society were
highly desirable. The convention after a prolonged and somewhat
animated discussion voted to lay the petition on the table. Although
somewhat discouraged Epsilon Kappa renewed its efforts which in turn
prompted the Board to continue its investigations. John N. Leonard,
Williams '15, visited Hanover as did a number of men from Williams,
Brown, Tufts, Amherst and Middlebury. Thomas C. Miller also went
to Hanover and his findings together with those of the others induced
the Board to ask the 1925 Convention to grant a charter. Once again
a very spirited discussion took place and while the Committee of the
Whole voted to grant a charter, the chapters on roll call denied the
motion by a vote of thirty-nine to ten. Later an attempt to reconsider
was voted down, after which the petition was laid on the table.
During the year that followed the matter was not allowed to die
and at the Montreal meeting in 1926 the Board once again strongly
uiged the granting of a charter. The delegates, however, refused this
request by a vote of thirty-six to thirteen. Considerable feeling had
manifested itself on both sides, but after an adjournment and an
evening's entertainment the matter was reconsidered. Finally, after
much debate a motion was put to grant a charter which was carried
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-19)3 293
thirty-eight to six. 428 Installation took place December 4, 1926. At
present Dartmouth occupies a home of its own and has attended every
convention since its foundation.
In the same year that witnessed the establishment of Dartmouth the
Fraternity founded a chapter at the University of Oklahoma. Orig-
inally, the Oklahoma Chapter was known as the Delta Pi Fraternity
and had been formed May 3, 1931 under the direction of Joseph B.
Umpleby, Washington '08, for the express purpose of petitioning
Delta Upsilon. After several months during which the local society
made every effort to establish a local reputation, inquiries were sent to
Delta Upsilon as to the required method of petitioning. Possessed of
this information Delta Pi submitted a petition and sent a delegate
to the 1922 Convention to plead its case. In accordance with past
practices this body referred the petition without discussion to the
Board in charge of such matters. Upon investigation the Board found
that Delta Pi owned a $12,000 house at 764 De Barr Avenue, that it
had the good will of the faculty, other fraternities, and above all the
loyal support of several Delta U's including Roller of Ohio, Wright
of Iowa State and Armstrong of Syracuse. In March, 1923, moreover,
Congdon visited Norman and returned strong in the conviction that
both the university and the society deserved careful study and cultiva-
tion. On the basis of these facts the Board asked the 1923 Convention
to lay the petition on the table, as it did, until a more thorough survey
could be made.
During 1924 further investigation continued while the Delta Pi
group showered the Board with letters of endorsements from Delta
U's, faculty members and other interested parties. And although the
convention of that year took no positive action it was evident to all
that here was a petitioning society that would have to be considered in
the very near future. During the following year Delta Pi forged steadily
ahead; its credentials were most convincing, and a visit by Brother
Moody of the Missouri Chapter created a strong case for the peti-
tioners at the 1925 Convention. At this gathering, Brother Galpin,
Northwestern '13 spoke in behalf of the society and while the delegates
were unwilling to vote on the question of granting a charter, a motion
was passed asking the Fraternity to make a more serious investigation
during the coming year. Accordingly Thomas C. Miller visited Norman
and returned thoroughly convinced that the charter should be granted.
The Oklahoma City Delta Upsilon Club and various alumni from
nearby cities flooded the tables of the Board with endorsements of
488 See the Epsilon Kappa Pi Folder for detailed information.
294 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
various kinds. Delta Pi in the meantime communicated with the va-
rious chapters. W. Freeman Galpin moreover appeared at the Mon-
treal Convention, 1926, and spoke in favor of the group which the
Board now recommended for admission into Delta Upsilon. Consid-
erable debate took place at this meeting relative to the petitioners,
and also in respect to the general problem of extension; the net result
of which was that the delegates denied a charter. Shortly thereafter
a motion to reconsider was passed and this time the convention unani-
mously voted to grant a charter. This action being concurred in by
the Assembly at a later day, steps were taken for installation. The
ceremonies were conducted January 15, 1927 at the local Masonic Hall,
Swan acting as master of ceremonies. Two years later Oklahoma moved
into its present home, 603 West Brooks Avenue. Oklahoma has been
represented at every convention since its founding.
A year after the establishment of Oklahoma a charter was granted
to the Pi Kappa Chi Fraternity of John Hopkins University. Interest
in this institution dates back to the spring of 1887 when Crossett ad-
dressed certain inquiries relative to the Fraternity's entrance into that
college. Some sentiment was expressed in favor of Johns Hopkins but
after two years of investigation the Executive Council came to the
conclusion that nothing could be accomplished for the time being. 429
In 1905, however, there was founded the Pi Kappa Chi Fraternity
and with this event the history of the John Hopkins Chapter actu-
ally began. For a number of years this society was content to exist
as a local organization but by 1923 its members came to the conclusion
that further growth and service demanded affiliation with some na-
tional fraternity. Delta Upsilon was investigated by these men and
became the goal towards which they now bent their energies. During
1924 communications were addressed to the Board on Petitioning So-
cieties and a petition presented to the convention of that year. The
delegates at this meeting voted to lay the petition on the table for a
year pending further investigation. From that time to the annual
gathering of 1928 Pi Kappa Chi kept itself before the General Fra-
ternity by petitions and by the active support of interested members
of Delta Upsilon, particularly those of Baltimore. Several investiga-
tions in the form of visits also took place. The net result of these va-
rious efforts was that a charter was granted at the 1928 Convention.
Installation took place December 8 of the same year at the Friends
Meeting House on Charles Street, John D. Scott acting as the master
of ceremonies. At present the chapter is comfortably located at 3100
^Minutes of the Executive Council, 1889, Annual, 1887-1889, Quarterly,
CHAPTER HISTORIES, 1900-1933 295
North Calvert Street and has been represented at every annual con-
vention of Delta Upsilon.
Since that event six new chapters have been added to Delta Upsilon
whose history as yet has been very brief. At some future date the his-
torian of Delta Upsilon will devote considerable attention to these
worthy additions. For the present, however, only a brief resume will
be presented. In 1922 there was organized at the University of Cali-
fornia at Los Angeles a society known as Delta Mu Phi which after
several years of petitioning was installed as a chapter of Delta Upsilon,
January 12, 1929. Later on November 23 of the same year a chapter
was established at the University of Manitoba on the basis of Phi
Epsilon, a local society that had existed since February, 1926. On De-
cember 6, 1930 there was also established a chapter at Washington and
Lee. The original petitioning society had been founded December,
1920 as the Arcades Club. Exactly a year after the establishment of
this group, Delta Upsilon added to the list of its Canadian Chapters
by installing a society at the University of Western Ontario; the peti-
tioning group being known as Sigma Kappa Sigma, whose foundation
goes back to 1926. On March 4, 1933 Delta Upsilon entered Wash-
ington State College and on January 6, 1934 a chapter will be in-
stalled at the University of Oregon.
The Oregon Chapter is the sixty-third chapter of Delta Upsilon.
Of these four, Washington and Jefferson, Trinity, Manhattan and
Princeton, no longer exist. Consequently, Delta Upsilon at present
has fifty-nine active chapters, and even were the Fraternity to count
the Vermont society, the record of the Fraternity is indeed a most
enviable one. Counting Delta Psi of Vermont, Delta Upsilon has had
a mortality of only 7.8 percent, while not counting Vermont the per-
centage is but 6.3. Truly the growth of Delta Upsilon has been ex-
ceedingly cautious and conservative. 4296
42911 See above p. 102.
Chapter XIV
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS
EARLY TRACTS, CATALOGUES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS THE SPY
GLASS OF UNION THE QUINQUENNIAL OF 1884 THE ANNUALS
AND SONG-BOOKS THE MANUAL OUR RECORD AND DELTA UPSILON
QUARTERLY
genesis and growth, of Delta Upsilon is well illustrated by an
examination of its various publications. For purposes of organi-
zation these writings may be divided into several groups: those that
appeared before the birth of the Confederation; those that were pub-
lished during the life of that Fraternity; and finally, those that have
been issued since the Middlebury Convention of 1864. These divisions
are more or less arbitrary, though they provide convenient mile posts
as has been shown by the narrative arrangement of this volume. The
earliest period covers the years 1834 to 1847. During these years a
relatively small number of tracts and catalogues appeared, published
in each case by the societies as a purely chapter affair. The oldest
known publication seems to have been a Catalogue of the Social Fra-
ternity, Williams College, which was printed in 1836. A copy of this
document, as well as another issued in 1838, may be found in the
Williams College Library. Another issue is supposed to have been
made in 1837, but of which no copy has been found. This is also the
case of a similar publication that appeared in 1839. On the basis of
those catalogues available, it seems reasonable to assume that these
publications contained a list of the members as well as the Preamble
and Constitution of the society. Similar tracts appeared in 1844 and
1845, and it may be that one was issued in 1846. In the meantime the
Equitable Union of Union College published in 1840 a catalogue in
which there appears a list of all members since October, 1838, together
with the Preamble and abstract of the constitution. About the same
time there appeared a tract known as the Spy Glass, concerning which
comment has already been made. 430 It is of interest to note, however,
in passing, that this tract represents a direct effort on the part of its
430 See above pp. 16-17.
296
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 397
author to stimulate campus opinion in favor of non-secrecy and in
opposition to the secret fraternities. In other words, it is nothing more
or less than a piece of propaganda in the interests of the Equitable
Union.
Shortly after the foundation of the Anti-Secret Confederation, the
Union Chapter issued another catalogue. In addition to the usual
information relative to the members and aims of the society there ap-
peared the idea that students entering Union would do well to join
a literary rather than a secret organization. And, as their group was
both anti-secret and literary, the implication was that the Union Chap-
ter might well merit the careful consideration of all students. A more
determined attack upon the secret fraternities followed in 1850 with
the publication of Secret Societies in College which aroused the Greek
world to print a tract entitled a Review. Alpha Omicron, for so the
Equitable Union styled itself, replied by a Review of the Review in
which the claims of the secret organizations were refuted. No copies
of these last three named tracts have been found. On the basis, how-
ever, of available evidence, it is clear that the Union Chapter was
continuing its militant attitude towards the secret societies. Efforts
somewhat similar in nature were undertaken by the Hamilton Chap-
ter. Late in December, 1849, this society voted to give to every citizen
of the village a copy of the constitution. Williams also published some-
time in the 1850*5 a tract entitled Religious Arguments, of which,
however, no copy has been found. 431
In the meantime the Confederation itself had printed Opinions of
Distinguished Men upon the Influence of Secret Societies. Copies of
this work seem to have been scattered about in rather large numbers;
the Williams Chapter alone disposed of fifteen hundred numbers.
The Confederation also published at various intervals general cata-
logues in which the names and members of the chapters are listed as
well as the constitution of the fraternity. 432 Beyond these publications
nothing more seems to have been issued by either the chapters or
the national organization with the possible exception of a series of
communications which passed between the faculty and the Amherst
Chapter. 433
Beginning with the Middlebury Convention of 1864 Fraternity pub-
m Quinquennial, (1884), p. 122, Minutes of the Social Fraternity of Hamilton,
Dec. 6, 1849, Williams to Rutgers, Oct. 27, 1858, Minutes of the Social Fraternity of
Williams, June 6, Nov. 7, 1854.
438 These catalogues may be found at the Fraternity Headquarters.
^Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1854. No copy of these letters
has been found.
598 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
lications became more numerous and varied. General catalogues,
known as Triennials, were issued at different times. At first these vol-
umes contained a copy of the constitution together with a list of the
chapters and their members. Later on, these catalogues seem to have
become little more than general fraternity directories. In either case
the publication, though authorized by the Fraternity, was edited and
handled by one of the chapters. For example the catalogue of 1859 was
published by the Amherst Chapter, the cost of each subscription being
twenty-one cents. This sum was paid directly to the editor. The last
of the Triennials appeared in 1880, in lieu of which there was issued
in 1884 the Delta Upsilon Quinquennial Catalogue. The inception of
this monumental volume goes back to the Brown Convention of 1881.
At this gathering an amendment to the constitution provided for the
publication of a general catalogue every five years, the first number
to appear in 1884, the year of the Fraternity's semi-centennial. A
committee was also appointed to undertake plans for this publication.
This body reported in 1882 that William S. Chase, Brown '81, had
been engaged to act as editor. An advisory committee composed of
Edward M. Bassett, Joseph A. Adair, and Alfred W. Anthony was
also appointed to have charge of the finances and general oversight
of the work. An associate chapter editor, selected by the society, was
to prepare data from their own records. All expenses incident to this
effort were to be levied upon the chapters, to be paid by them at
convention time.
At the New York Convention of 1884 Bassett, chairman of the ad-
visory committee, reported that thanks to the "patience, perseverance
and enthusiasm of Mr. Chase," as well as all others who had been of
assistance, the Quinquennial had been printed and was ready for dis-
tribution. One thousand copies had been struck off, and it was the hope
of Mr. Bassett that all subscriptions would be paid for by the end of
the year. The convention received this report with considerable satis-
faction and proceeded to adopt several resolutions relative to the ulti-
mate disposal of all copies of the Quinquennial. According to these
resolves the Quinquennial Committee was to handle the affairs of
distribution and collection for the ensuing six months. At the end of
this period, the Council was to pay to the Committee a sum of money
equal to the difference that might exist between the expenses of pub-
lishing and distribution and the income from all sales. In return for
this payment the Committee was to hand over to the Executive Coun-
cil all remaining copies. These copies would then be distributed to
the chapters who had contracted for the same, provided that all as-
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 299
sessments for the Quinquennial had been paid. If the total sales cov-
ered all expenses then the remaining copies were to be allotted by
the Executive Council to each chapter in proportion to its size and
the number of subscriptions for the Quinquennial. Any surplus in
income was to be placed in the Fraternity treasury. A vote of thanks
was also tendered to the Committee and Brother Chase for their labor
in editing and handling the publication of this catalogue. 434
According to the above arrangement it would be necessary for the
Fraternity to levy a special tax upon the chapters in order to secure
funds to relieve the Committee of the remaining copies at the end
of six months. Before this time was reached, however, the Committee,
acting probably in conjunction with the Executive Council, deter-
mined not to levy this assessment but to continue handling all future
sales. Expenses, moreover, increased, chiefly due to costs of distribu-
tion. In spite of this all bills had been paid except for certain sums
due the editor. To clear up this item, Basset! proposed at the 1885
Convention that the remaining one hundred and fifty copies be pur-
chased by the members of the incoming freshman class. Cloth copies
would be provided all purchasers for $3.25, while gilt-edge editions
would cost twenty-five cents more. The Convention accepted Bassett's
report and voted to dispose of as many copies as possible among the
chapters. In the event that the income from these sales was not enough
to clear all indebtedness then a per capita tax would be levied upon
all of the chapters. This, however, was not done until after the 1886
Convention which voted to allow the Executive Council to levy a tax
so as to dispose of the ninety-four copies that still remained unsold.
Accordingly, an assessment was made but even this failed to settle the
debt due Brother Chase. Finally in 1887 another levy was imposed
with the result that the Executive Council was able to report to the
Convention of 1888 that all sums owed Brother Chase had at length
been paid. It is of interest to note in passing that these extra taxes
were necessary because of the failure of some of the chapters to meet
their obligations. 435
No other general catalogue was published until 1891. The editor of
this very splendid volume was Wilson L. Fairbanks who had been
appointed to this office by the Convention of 1889. At this assembly
resolutions were adopted providing that a salary of three hundred
fifty dollars be paid the editor plus such sums as might be needed for
stationery and correspondence. Directions were also given as to what
434 Annual, 1881-1885, Quarterly, 1.6.
435 Annual, 1885-1888, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1885-1888.
3oo DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
should and should not be included within the new Quinquennial,
and while Fairbanks was to have general charge of both the editorial
and business work, the Fraternity itself was to pay all costs incident
to printing. Fairbanks shouldered the responsibility with the same
enthusiasm which he had evidenced and was still to show in general
fraternity work. No one can read his lengthy report to the delegates
of the 1890 Convention and avoid the conclusion that the task had
been a hard one and that while several persons, notably Brother
Eidlitz, had been of great help, the greater share of the work had fallen
upon Fairbanks. These conclusions are amply endorsed upon an ex-
amination of the catalogue itself. In this volume may be found a
history of the new chapters since 1884, a bibliography of Fraternity
publications since the same date and a very valuable directory of mem-
bers according to chapter and residence. Further, in every case where
it was at all possible a short biographical sketch appeared for every
person mentioned. The expenses of this volume were met by an in-
crease in the yearly assessment upon the various chapters. And while
some of these societies were backward in paying their accounts, the
actual sums due Fairbanks and the printers were all paid by i8g3. 436
The next general catalogue appeared in 1897 and was known as
the Delta Upsilon, Supplement to Decennial Catalogue. The editor of
this volume was Will Walter Jackson, Columbia '92, and to him con-
siderable credit is due. In one sense his labors were made somewhat
easier than they otherwise would have been and for this he was in-
debted to the foundation work that Fairbanks had done during the
years 1889 to 1892. Jackson's work, however, was enormous in itself
as anyone may see by glancing through the pages of the catalogue which
contained chapter histories and directories of all members by chapter
and residence. In 1903 there appeared under the editorship of Melvin
G. Dodge, Hamilton '90, the Delta Upsilon, Decennial Catalogue. This
volume followed in the main the plan adopted by previous issues,
though the biographical data appears to be more extensive and ex-
haustive. Another Decennial appeared in 1917 under the able editor-
ship of Lynne J. Bevan, Chicago '03 and W. H. Dannat Pell, Colum-
bia '09. This volume omitted much of the material that had appeared
in previous catalogues and consisted chiefly of a directory of members
according to chapter and residence. Biographical data was given only
in respect to residence and profession. Another directory of members
appeared in January, 1929 as part of the current issue of the Quarterly.
Since that date no other directory has appeared. The expense for these
^Annual, 1889-1891, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1888-1891.
FRA TERNITY PUBLIC A TIONS 30 1
various volumes seems to have been met by levies upon the chapters,
excepting that for 1929, while in each case the editors received a sti-
pend far below the value of their time and labor. 437
The Quinquennial of 1884 contained a fairly complete record of
the activities of the earlier conventions of the Fraternity. This feature
did not appear in subsequent volumes for the simple reason that be-
ginning with 1870, this material was printed in the Delta Upsilon> An
Annual. The convention of that year had authorized the publication
of this tract and had placed the task in the hands of the Brown Chap-
ter. Brown had been selected because it had been host to the Fraternity
that year and for that reason could be expected to handle the work
more efficiently than any other chapter. Another reason may be found
in the fact that heretofore the record of convention proceedings had
been conducted by the entertaining chapter. Similar publications have
been issued ever since 1870 for every meeting of the Fraternity, and
prior to 1884 was edited by the chapter holding the convention. Be-
ginning, however, with that date the publishers of the Quarterly were
instructed to undertake the management of the Annual, but even then
copy was furnished by the entertaining chapter. Upon recommenda-
tion of the Quarterly editors, publication in 1888 and 1889 was en-
trusted to a specially appointed committee. This procedure was altered
in 1890 and the entire work was assigned to the Executive Council
which in turn directed one of its members to act as editor. No further
change took place until 1921 at which time the issuing of the Annual
was handed over to the Directors in whose hands it has rested ever since.
The information contained within the Annuals has varied. The first
issue, that for 1870, had a record of the proceedings of the convention
together with the orations and poems delivered before that assembly.
Equally significant were the reports given by the chapters -and
alumni clubs. These reports seem to have been given as late as 1890.
After that date the nature of these communications was changed.
Formerly, the delegates had presented a narrative account of chapter
activities but beginning with 1891 these reports amounted to but a
list of class and college honors together with the number of men
in each chapter. Even this abbreviated information was left out after
the issue for 1914. Valuable as this latter material was, it is to be re-
gretted from a historical point of view that the former procedure
was not continued. Finally, it may be noted that in time the Annual
came to include not merely a record of the convention but also a
437 The 1914 Convention ordered that the Decennial Catalogue be discontinued,
and that the Council should arrange for the issuing of a directory of members.
302 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
resume of public exercises and entertainments incident to these
gatherings and what is more important the reports of the Council and
other administrative bodies of the Fraternity. 438
The actual editing of the Annual, as has been noted, has not always
been as complete as might be desired. Prior to 1891 copy was fur-
nished by the entertaining chapter which was required to gather its
data as best it could. Frequently, it was compelled to withhold pub-
lication until officers or committees had forwarded their reports and
in one case at least a highly important report was entirely omitted.
What is more, no careful notes seem to have been taken during the
life of the convention; a defect in method that led in several cases
to severe misunderstandings among the members themselves. After
1891 stenographic aid was ordered, but even this provision has not
always been lived up to. In general, however, the Annuals published
since 1891 have been of greater interest and value, especially to those
who desire to trace the historical growth of the Fraternity. The
financing of the Annual for a number of years was handled by the
chapter that published the same. Each society was supposed to take
a certain number of copies, probably as many as it had members, and
make remittance directly and promptly to the chapter in charge of
publication. From 1884 to 1887 inclusive the editors of the Quarterly
handled this work, as did probably the committees of 1888 and 1889.
When the Executive Council took over the publication in 1890 the
charge was collected through the yearly assessment, in return for
which each chapter received at least one copy of the Annual. This
procedure is still in practice. 439 The approximate cost of publishing
this tract at present amounts to eighty-six cents. In 1872 the Annual
cost each subscriber twenty-two cents; in 1885, fifty cents plus post-
age; and in 1906, ten cents.
Another publication that has been of considerable interest and
value is that which relates to the songs of Delta Upsilon. The earliest
known reference to such appears in a letter addressed by Rochester
to Rutgers in February, 1860. In this communication, Rochester in-
quired as to what Rutgers' attitude was towards fraternity songs. At
Rochester opinion seems to have been divided; some being more
than enthusiastic, while others believed that it was but a poor imita-
Annals may be found at the Fraternity Headquarters.
439 Since 1910 it has been assumed that a share of the expense has been met by
alumni gifts and taxes; the greater share of the cost, however, is still borne by the
chapters. Each chapter receives one copy, as do the Trustees and Directors. Since
1921 each chapter receives an additional copy which has been added to the bound
volume of the Quarterly, to which each chapter is entitled.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 303
tion of the practices of the secret societies. Similar letters probably
were sent to the other chapters. Rutgers also seems to have corre-
sponded with some of the societies and judging by a reply received
from Hamilton it is likely that an agreement favorable to the pub-
lication of a song-book was reached. At least the idea was expressed
by Hamilton that a volume of songs would soon be out. Nothing,
however, materialized and it is not until 1863 that any further ref-
erence to the same appears in our sources. At the convention of that
year the question was discussed at some length with the result that
the entire affair was referred to the chapters for further consideration.
At the Middlebury Convention of 1864, Rochester was directed to
undertake the publication of a song-book. This chapter in turn dele-
gated the duty to one of its members, J. S. Van Alstin who seems to
have written to the chapters asking them to send in their contribu-
tions. This was in October, 1865 and sometime during the course of
the next year there appeared a cloth bound volume entitled Songs
of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. The book itself consisted of twenty-
eight pages containing twenty-three songs without and one with
music. 440
For several years this volume seemed to satisfy the needs of the
Fraternity but beginning in 1869 ta ^ arose relative to a possible re-
vision. A committee on music was appointed by the convention of
that year; which body, however, reported no progress at the 1870
gathering. A song-book committee was then appointed. Due to certain
unknown factors, possibly because there was no convention in 1871,
the matter was allowed to drop. At the 1872 meeting, the delegates
voted in favor of a new collection and a committee headed by Brown
was asked to handle the matter. Brown seems to have written the
chapters asking for suggestions and in 1873 was authorized to publish
the results. Difficulties, however, arose so that Brown was unable to
report anything beyond progress in 1874. A similar statement was
also made in 1875. Exactly why Brown was unable to carry out its
commission is not known. It may be that some of the chapters were
not as cooperative as they might have been. In any event, Brown
was relieved of its duty and Marietta was asked to take over the
work. Marietta also tried to gain assistance from the chapters but like
her predecessor was only able to report progress at the May Con-
vention of 1876. At the October meeting of the same year, Marietta
440 Quinquennial, (1884), ,p. 72, Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon,
Rochester to Rutgers, Feb. 28, 1860, Hamilton to Rutgers, Nov. 17, 1860, Madison to
Rutgers, Jan. 14, 1864, Rochester to Rutgers, Oct. 18, 1865.
DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
resigned in favor of Cornell. The delegates also instructed Cornell
to make a selection of the various fraternity songs and together with
other scores to publish a volume. Some time in 1877 there appeared
another edition of the Songs of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity. The
editors of this book were William R. Dudley, Phillip H. Perkins,
both of Cornell and Charles H. Foote of Western Reserve. David
Hays of the Rochester Chapter also rendered valuable assistance.
This volume was about twice the size of the former book and con-
tained a much larger number of songs with music. 441
No further edition appeared until 1884, though in the meantime
both Marietta and Hamilton published small volumes containing a
moderate number of songs; all, however, without music. 442 In 1879
talk arose as to a revision of the Cornell book of 1877. The matter
was referred to a committee of which Martin R. Sackett of Syracuse
seems to have been the most active member. After sometime, how-
ever, the matter was allowed to drag, but in 1882 new life was infused
into the committee as a result of discussions which took place that
year. The net result was the appearance in 1884 of a volume con-
taining one hundred forty-four pages and consisting of a large number
of fraternity and college tunes. The committee in charge was formed
of John C. Carman, Rochester, Charles F. Sitterly and Ezra S. Tipple,
both of Syracuse and Charles A. Fulton and Albert J. Truesdale,
both of Madison. Eight years later, the convention took under ad-
visement a new edition of this book; the matter by vote being re-
ferred to the Executive Council. During the next few years reports
of progress were presented to the convention. The committee in
charge seems to have been hampered by the lack of cooperation on
the part of the chapters. Songs and scores were forwarded to the com-
mittee and while many were of decided value, the bulk were worth-
less. "The great lack," so the committee stated, "is of original music.
We have anywhere from six to a dozen songs . . . written to the
tune of Annie Laurie, and several of the old stand-by tunes have
been equally favored, and now we want something new." Relatively
little "new" material was forthcoming, whereupon the committee
seems to have marked time. Finally, after a lapse of over a year an
arrangement was made with the editors of the Quarterly for the
appearance within that magazine of selected songs. In the opinion
of the Executive Council this was thought expedient, particularly
m Annual, 1870-1877, Brown to Rutgers, Oct. 24, 1873, Marietta to Rutgers,
Dec. 9, 1875.
"* Quinquennial, op. cit. f p. m; see also in the same, p. 122 for reference to a waltz
by Hays of Rochester.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 305
since anything like a pretentious volume seemed entirely out of the
question. A number of songs, accordingly, appeared in the Quarterly
during 1898 and iSgg. 443
Nothing further was done until 1904 when the Executive Council
addressed letters to the chapters asking for material for a new song-
book. A few new tunes were secured but not enough to warrant
publication of a new volume. The need, however, continued, and
on March 17, 1906 the Executive Council arranged with William O.
Miller of the Pennsylvania Chapter to undertake the task of pub-
lishing a new book. Miller took his task to heart with the result that
by the fall of that year Delta Upsilon had the much-desired volume
of songs. This book was considerably larger than those that had ap-
peared and contained a large number of songs both with and without
music. The reception that greeted this book was one that must have
pleased both the Executive Council and Miller. 444 Ten years later
another issue appeared under the editorship of John S. Briggs,
Rochester '90, John R. Slater, Harvard '94, and Monroe Curtis,
Western Reserve '11. Several other members of the Fraternity, notably
Arthur M. See of Rochester, assisted in this work. The new book
contained about fifty percent more material than any previous edition
and included a large number of old songs whose popularity warranted
their retention. All in all the volume amounted to one hundred
eight pages. 445 The demand for this book was soon exhausted and in
1918 a new edition was printed. It is of interest to note in passing
that in the second printing of this edition the Fraternity Ode and
the prayer, "Ave, Mater, Delta U," which had been set to the music
of Die Wacht Am Rhein and Deutschland, Uber Alles, respectively,
were arranged to the tunes of Canada and Vesper. These changes
were made as a result of America's entrance into the World War.
On the other hand "believing that folk-songs are universal in their
property rights/' the committee retained two of German origin,
though even these were now translated into English where before
German had been used. 446
In 1920 and 1924 new editions of the issue of 1918 were printed.
Finally in 1929 under the able editorship of Edward L. Seip the
present song-book was printed. In the main this was but another
issue of the 1918 volume. Even then the changes that had been made in
** Annual, 1881-1899, Quinquennial (1891), pp. 121-122, Quarterly, 1:4, 22, 55,
II: 11, 19, 144-146, IX: 145.
*" Annual, 1904, 1906, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1906.
"* Song-Book of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity, 1916.
*Ibid., 1918.
306 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the interests of patriotism were not altered. The volume itself con-
sisted o one hundred ninety-one pages, most of which was devoted
to scores, although in one or two cases merely the words appear. 447
The undergraduate has found the song-book of great value. Fra-
ternity meetings, banquets, initiations and general conventions have
been featured by the mass singing of the delegates. The alumni have
also found these songs of immense interest in that they have aided
these men in renewing their undergraduate experiences as well as in
knitting more closely the fraternal ties formed at initiation.
The cost of printing these various books has been met in a number
of ways. Probably the expense of the 1865 volume was met by the
chapters remitting directly to Rochester the amount owed. Whether
each chapter subscribed for as many copies as it had members, which
was often the case of the Annual, or merely ordered a limited num-
ber is not known. The records of the conventions from 1864 to 1870
as given in the Quinquennial are none too complete, while nothing
in this respect has been found among the other sources for these years.
As only a few copies of this edition are known to be extant, it is
likely that only a limited number were printed and it is hoped that
its editor received remuneration sufficient to meet all expenses. The
edition of 1877 was probably arranged for in a similar manner,
though there is not a single entry in any of the sources relative to
this matter. Of the 1884 volume little more is known. Doubtless a
thousand copies of this book were printed of which six hundred
were sold to the chapters to cover expenses; the balance being dis-
tributed in due time among the societies. Each copy sold for $1.50,
which seems to have been remitted directly to J. C. Carman of Roch-
ester. Evidently, the management of this book, though ordered by
the Fraternity, was left in the hands of the committee. After the
Executive Council took over affairs in 1885 a11 orders were filled by
that body, each book costing $1.65; the increase doubtlessly taking
place to take care of transportation charges. 448
The 1906 edition of the song-book while handled by Miller was
underwritten by the Fraternity. A thousand copies appear to have
been printed, each selling at 11.50 post paid. Orders for this book
were to be sent to Arthur E. Bestor, 5711 Kimbark Avenue, Chicago,
Illinois. After all expenses had been paid, Miller was to receive
^Ibid,, 1929 A new edition appeared in 1933. At various times small leaflets
containing the words of many of the songs have been printed for use at banquets
and the like
^Syracuse to Rochester, Oct. 17, 1883, Rochester to Rutgers, Mar. 8, 1884,
Quarterly, V:24p.
Underwood <t TJnderwood
OTTO M EIDLITZ
CORNELL '81
MASTER BUILDER
FRANK B JEWETT
CHICAGO 'O2 AND TECHNOLOGY 'O3
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER, PRESIDENT
OF BELL LABORATORIES
EDWARD J PEARSON
CORNELL '83
PRESIDENT OF NEW YORK, NEW
HAVEN & HARTFORD R R
\fnffltt It It, ^C II
RUFUS C DAWES
MARIETTA '86
PRESIDENT CENTURY OF PROGRESS
EXPOSITION
ALFRED P. SUDAN JR
TECHNOLOGY '95
PRESIDENT OF GENERAL MOTORS
CORPORATION
EDMUND W WAKELEE
NEW YORK *91
VICE-PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC SERVICE
CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 307
twenty percent of the net sales, though his total royalty was not to
exceed two hundred fifty dollars. For a number of years thereafter
copies might be purchased through the Secretary of the Executive
Council, while in 1915 that body offered for sale the remaining
copies, somewhat damaged, for one dollar each. Of the 1916 edition
copies might be obtained directly from the Fraternity Headquarters,
50 Broad Street, New York City. The price of this book, as well as
that of 1918, was placed at one dollar a copy; while the editions of
1920 and 1924 sold at a dollar and a dollar and a half respectively.
The latter price also held for the edition of 1929. Since October,
1914 all initiates had been required to purchase a copy of this song-
book, which charge was absorbed a year later by the initiate tax.
As matters stand today, each undergraduate receives through his
initiate tax a song-book; while all others desiring a copy purchase
the same through the Fraternity Headquarters for one dollar and a half.
Another publication received at present by a member at the time
of his initiation is the Manual of Delta Upsilon. The genesis of this
publication may be traced back to the thirty-seven page tract com-
piled by Crossett and Robert J. Eidlitz, entitled Our Record. This
modest publication appeared in 1886 and contained statistics and
information relative to Delta Upsilon. No other issue appeared for
some time, though beginning in the fall of 1891 the Executive Coun-
cil issued a four-page circular, entitled Delta Upsilon, which pre-
sented a brief history of the Fraternity, the roll of chapters, a list
of prominent alumni and a statement of the organizations and pub-
lications of Delta Upsilon. These circulars, somewhat increased in
size, continued to appear until 1906. In the meantime the Executive
Council, after considerable discussion revived Our Record, the first
copy appearing late in 1896. What this tract contained is not known
as no copy exists among the Fraternity archives. The Quarterly con-
tinued to run a statement of this publication for a number of years,
during which time Hall seems to have edited Our Record, at least
beginning in 1902. It is apparent from certain items in the treasurer's
report in 1903 and 1906 that new editions were published, but
whether this expense was due to a revision or merely a re-printing
of the older copy cannot be determined from the evidence at hand. 449
The value of Our Record by this time was well appreciated and
it may be this fact that prompted the Chicago Convention of 1904
to instruct the Executive Council to investigate the possibility of
***Our Record, 1886, Delta Upsilon, 1891-1905, Quarterly, 1896-1906, Annual,
1903, 1906. See also Quarterly, VIII 1209.
3o8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
publishing a "Book of Delta Upsilon," According to the records of
the Executive Council an extensive survey was undertaken and cir-
cular letters written to the chapters asking them if they would support
an edition of the proposed work which would cost approximately
two thousand dollars. The replies, which were received from about
three-fourths of the chapters, showed a decided reluctance to assume
this expense, as a result of which the Executive Council decided to
allow the matter to drop. The convention, however, endorsed the
opinion to continue Our Record and in 1906 ordered the Executive
Council to issue a revised edition "in time for the rushing season."
This the Council did and in the summer of 1907 a new issue was
distributed among the chapters. Another edition appeared, at the
request of the chapters who believed this tract to be of considerable
value in rushing, in 1908. At the convention of that year the Execu-
tive Council suggested that the delegates consider the advisability of
printing every three or four years a large and more credible edition
of Our Record as well as an annual four-page statement of the special
honors of each year. This suggestion was enthusiastically endorsed
by the delegates and the Executive Council proceeded at once to
carry out the idea. The Executive Council found, however, on in-
vestigation that the expense was altogether too heavy for the Fra-
ternity to bear. Accordingly, Our Record continued to appear as one
of the Fraternity publications. In the main this tract contained the
same general information as had been given by Crossett in his publica-
tion of 1886.
At the December, 1914 meeting of the Council it was decided to
ask the convention's approval of the publication of a volume to be
known as the Manual of Delta Upsilon. This volume was to include
material as given in Our Record, a brief history of the Fraternity,
the Constitution and By-Laws, insignia rules, provision regarding
the expulsion of members, proper filing and accounting systems, a
list of Fraternity publications and other pertinent information. Al-
though the delegates expressed some concern over the cost that
would be involved the Council was instructed to go ahead, as a
result of which there appeared in the spring of 1916 the first edition
of the Manual. The editor of this work was Herbert Wheaton Cong-
don and to him much credit is due for a very instructive and interest-
ing volume. In 1920 Congdon and Swan revised the Manual, making
several changes of importance. The editions of 1923 and 1926 fol-
lowed in the main the work outlined by these men. Lynne J. Bevan
was in charge of the issue of 1929, while Joseph P. Simmons and
FRA TERNITY PUBLIC A TIONS 309
Carroll B. Larrabee handled it in 1933. Each undergraduate upon
being initiated into the Fraternity has received a copy of the Manual,
while others may purchase the same through the Fraternity Head-
quarters for one dollar.
Only chapters may purchase the Ritual, detailed information
concerning which is taken up elsewhere in this volume. 450 At various
times the Fraternity has also published for the use of its members
reports of the Board of Trustees, Board of Directors, the Executive
Council, the Council and the Board on Petitioning Societies. All of
these also appeared in the Annual. Among minor publications might
be mentioned leaflets that appeared at different times like the Budget
and Initiate Blanks. All of these tracts and volumes have been of
immense value to the Fraternity, though probably no publication
equals in significance and importance the Fraternity magazine, the
Delta Upsilon Quarterly.
As early as 1852 the idea of a Fraternity periodical was discussed
by the delegates at convention. A committee, moreover, was then
appointed to investigate the affair. This body found that the expense
was altogether too great for the chapters to handle and so the matter
with much regret was allowed to drop. 461 In 1866 the idea was ad-
vanced again at the Rochester Convention. After some discussion
the delegates instructed Hamilton and New York to "publish a
semi-annual periodical in the interests of the Fraternity." These
societies selected Henry R. Waite and Nelson B. Sizer as editors,
both of whom proceeded to give considerable attention to the matter.
Circular letters were sent out to the chapters outlining the plan and
scope of the contemplated work with a request for local cooperation.
In general, the response was such as to encourage these men to go
on with their plans. The chapters, however, were slow in sending
in copy so that it was not until April, 1868 that the first issue of Our
Record made its appearance. Even then it appeared as Volume I,
Nos. i and 2, for October and April, 1867 to 1868. Of the twenty-nine
pages of content information approximately one-half was devoted to
an essay by William J. Erdman, Hamilton '56, entitled "Truth and
Freedom." The remainder included a sketch of the Middlebury
Chapter, a poem, "The Isle of the River of Time," an article, "Anti-
Secrecy In and Out of College," Minutes of the Thirty-Second Con-
vention, some editorials and fraternity news, and a plea for greater
assistance on the part of the chapters in respect to future issues. Al-
480 See below pp. 345-354.
461 Records of the Conventions of Delta Upsilon, 1852.
gio DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
though the chapters seemed pleased with this periodical they were
quite reluctant to meet their financial obligations. What sums the
editors had collected were used to pay off the printer, while other
expenses remained unpaid. Small wonder was it therefore that Waite
and Sizer decided to sink no more of their own money into an effort
that the chapters were not willing to pay for. Both of these men
doubtless aired their feelings on the floor of the 1868 Convention as
that body took immediate steps to re-vitalize the periodical. The
constitution itself was altered so as to provide for further publication
on a semi-annual basis under a graduate editor and assistant editor
of each chapter. "Each chapter," so the constitution stated, "shall
subscribe for one copy for each member and one extra copy for every
four members; one-third of the extra copies to be at the disposal of
the editors." Provision was also made for editing and the chapters
faithfully promised to pay off their debts. 452
Believing that the chapters had acted in good faith, Waite to-
gether with a number of assistant editors, issued Volume II, Nos. i
and 2, October and April, 1868 to 1869. In the main this copy con-
tained the same general kind of material that its predecessor had
presented; but once again, the chapters were quite remiss in meeting
their obligations. Accordingly, Waite allowed the magazine to dis-
appear. The Madison Convention of 1869, however, sought to revive
the project. After some discussion it was agreed that a quarterly
magazine should appear, to be known as the University Review.
Although this periodical was to serve as a medium for disseminating
news relative to the Fraternity it was also to be a means "for the
interchange of views among all college men in sympathy with its
principles." Waite, who was present at this meeting, at first declined
to consider the editorship that was offered him. However, after the
chapters had pledged themselves to become financially responsible
for the venture he accepted the proposition. The University Quar-
terly Review made its appearance in January, 1870. It was ornately
printed with a cover of blue and gold and contained some fifty pages
of material. On the basis of available evidence it would seem that
both the alumni and undergraduates were highly pleased with the
effort. Letters to that effect were sent to the editor and it was with
this endorsement that Waite issued another number in May, even
though some of the chapters had forgotten their promises to pay
for the January issue. Even after the appearance of the second num-
453 Quarterly, 11:1-3, Quinquennial (1884), pp. 22, 82, Waite to Rutgers, Nov. 11,
1867.
FRA TERNITY PUBLIC A TIONS 3 1 1
her, which was probably better than the first, some of the chapters
ignored their obligations and left Waite with many an unpaid bill.
Waite reported these matters to the delegates at the Brown Con-
vention of June, 1870 and read an exhibit of the financial condition
of the review and of the plans for its future. The Annual reports
that a spirited discussion followed, though it fails to record what
sentiments were expressed. Evidently the majority were opposed to
the venture, as the magazine was suspended. A committee, however,
was appointed to investigate the conditions of the review. What this
committee was to do is not stated though it is reasonable to assume
that it intended to make some settlement with Waite. Nothing, how-
ever, was done, and it was not until "some years later" that the
Fraternity recognized its obligations to Waite. The University Quar-
terly Review was issued from the Delta Upsilon Club at 817 Broad-
way, New York. 453
Although these literary activities had failed, the need for a Fra-
ternity publication still continued. Indeed, as the years went on it
became more and more apparent that some type of a magazine was
essential. Sentiment in this direction was very effectively presented
at the 1881 Convention. At this meeting the delegates voted to
establish a magazine, the editorship of which was to rotate among
the chapters in order of seniority. According to this provision Union
should have issued a periodical during the ensuing year but due to
certain difficulties, chiefly financial, nothing was accomplished. The
Convention of 1882, however, accepted the offer made by the Amherst
delegate, Alexander D. Noyes, in behalf of his chapter, to undertake
the task of issuing a quarterly. Each chapter, according to a resolution
that was passed, was to have an assistant editor whose duty consisted
in furnishing pertinent material relative to the life of his chapter.
Noyes himself was aided by George B. Foster, Frank C. Peabody,
Cassius M. Clark and Alonzo M. Murphey, all of Amherst. Number
one of the Delta Upsilon Quarterly made its appearance on De-
cember 22, 1882 and from that day to this the Quarterly has been a
vital and regular feature of Fraternity activity. In this number Noyes
stated that the magazine was to be an organ of the Fraternity, dis-
seminating news items of interest relative to both graduate and
undergraduate happenings and affording an opportunity for a free
exchange of views on general Fraternity problems. Literary contribu-
tions of merit would also find a place within the periodical. In size
468 Quarterly, II: 1-4, Annual, 1870, Quinquennial, op. cit , pp. 112-113.
312 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
the first issue contained fifteen pages, each page being approximately
seven and one-half inches by nine and one-half. The general editorial
board remained the same for the first three issues but with the fourth
and last number of volume one, Cassius M. Clark was managing
editor, assisted by Edward M. Bassett, Edward Simonds and Alonzo
M. Murphey, all of Amherst. The subscription price was fifty cents
a year or fifteen cents a copy. 454
According to the action of the Brown Convention the publication
was to rotate among the chapters. The evident disadvantages of such a
plan were pointed out by Noyes in the March, 1883, issue. Noyes be-
lieved that while the editors might change from year to year it was
necessary that the business office should be more permanent. Otherwise,
he contended, there might be variation as to size, quality and cost. A
little later, Noyes argued that both the editorial and business offices
should be lodged in the hands of the alumni, though each chapter was
to retain an associate editorship. Sentiments of this type were presented
at the 1883 Convention where it was voted to place the editing and
publishing of the magazine in the hands of a board formed of alumni
and undergraduates. The Quarterly was to appear some time between
the first and twentieth of January, April, June and October; was to be
published at New York and was to sell to all subscribers for one dollar
a year. The editorial board was to be elected annually by the con-
vention. 455
Volume II made its appearance in February, 1884, and consisted of
forty-eight pages, six by nine and three-quarters inches, exclusive of
the cover, which had a table of contents in the front and advertising
material on the back. The chief editor was Rossiter Johnson, Rochester
'63, assisted by Henry Waite, Alexander Noyes, Frederick Crossett and
John D. Blake. Crossett was business manager and to him at 842 Broad-
way all communications were to be sent. Each chapter also had its
associate editor. The personnel of these associate editors varied during
the next two years, while the general editors remained the same except
that Noyes in February, 1885, was followed by George A. Minasian.
During these years the general form of the Quarterly did not vary to
any extent.
Beginning with February, 1886, Crossett became chief editor, an
office that he held through 1892. At the time he took over office he was
assisted by Noyes, Bassett, Robert Eidlitz and Hamilton L. Marshall,
** Quarterly, Iipassim, 1/329-331, Annual, 1881, 1882.
455 Quarterly, Iipassim, Annual, 1883.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS
313
all o whom had been chosen by the convention. 456 The following year
the appointment of all assistant editors was placed in the hands of the
chief editor, though one of these, by a constitutional amendment in
1891, had to be the Secretary of the Executive Council. Prior to 1888,
Crossett received no remuneration for his services, though as Secretary
of the Executive Council he did draw a small income. In recognition of
his work on the Quarterly the delegates in 1888 voted him a salary of
three hundred and fifty dollars. Three years later this was lowered fifty
dollars and in 1892 cut down to one hundred and fifty dollars. The
size of the Quarterly from 1886 to 1892 remained about the same as in
1885 and cost each subscriber a dollar a year. The handling of these
subscriptions, at first, had been left to the editorial board, but by the
close of 1891 it was altered so that each chapter had to subscribe for
as many copies of the Quarterly as it had members in the three upper
classes, an arrangement that was not to be altered for some time. Prior
to this date the entire financial management had been in the hands of
the chief editor; after 1891, however, all accounts were to be submitted
to the Auditor of the Fraternity for approval.
Under Crossett's control the number of subscribers steadily increased.
During the Fraternity year 1884-1885 there appears to have been over
six hundred subscribers from whom an income was gained which was
sufficient to meet all expenses. The following table will show the finan-
cial growth of the Quarterly while Crossett was editor-in-chief.
Bills Bills
Expenses Balance Receivable Payable
$896.61 $23.04 $297-50
956.90 127 15 221.50 $137.15
1,01848 170.36 201.50 170.36
ed in the Annual for this year.
14873 5 60 214.37 125.04
M43-59 280.99 436.00 20248
1,085.15 410.01 755-75 322.00
On the basis of the above information it can readily be seen that while
expenses increased, the income more than offset these added costs. It
should also be noted that the item of bills receivable represents chiefly
unpaid subscriptions, most of which were due from undergraduates,
and that in 1887 and 1888 the amount included as "balance" actually
486 Other assistant editors from 1886 to 1892 were Henry W. Brush, S. J. Murphy,
C. S. Eytinge, A. W. Ferris, Asa Wynkoop, H. C. Wood, S. A. Brickner, W. L. Fair-
banks, S. S. Hall, J. E. Massee, E. J. Thomas and W. J. Warburton.
Year
Income
Ending
Subscriptions
with
Conven-
Under-
Advertise-
tion of
graduates
Alumni
ments
1886
$283.50
$172 oo
$464.15
1887
327.00
28700
215-75
1888
339-oo
293-50
215.62
1889
No Statement Pnn
1890
559-72
369.00
564.18
1891
578.02
417-25
429-31
1892
530-00
459-16
506.00
was a deficit. Other matters, quite obvious to the reader, need no fur-
ther comment. And while Crossett's management of the Quarterly was
not all that the members of the Fraternity desired, the fact remains
that he handled and edited the magazine under very trying conditions.
At no time was he able to devote all of his energy to this one task. As
Secretary of the Executive Council and editor of the Annual, Crossett
had much to do. To the historian Crossett's work is of decided interest.
The Quarterly fairly bristles with generous chapter reports, news
items, clear-cut editorials, a stimulating exchange column and valuable
information as to convention activities and fraternity life in general.
The Quarterly stands as an everlasting monument to the loyalty of
the man. Delta Upsilon is most heavily indebted to Frederick M.
Crossett.
In 1893 Crossett resigned from the editorial board of the Quarterly,
his place being taken by one of his former assistants, Wilson L. Fair-
banks. The first issue that appeared under the new editor was some-
what larger in size and was characterized by an increase in illustrations.
Fairbanks himself thought that a fraternity magazine should appear
more often than four times a year. "More frequent issues, say monthly,
mean more live matter, greater influence as a fraternity organ, and
probably greater circulation as a corollary. From a business standpoint
it would mean more advertising, probably sufficient to meet any in-
creased expense of publication." Indeed for a time, Fairbanks had
seen the amount of advertising fall considerably, a decline that was
due primarily to the failure of the chapters to meet their obligations.
No concern could be expected to advertise in a periodical whose cir-
culation was constantly fluctuating and which was delayed in publica-
tion as the result of a lack of funds. All of these various considerations
were discussed in the Council and by them referred to the delegates
who assembled in convention in 1893. As a result the constitution of
the Fraternity was amended in the interests of a larger and better Quar-
terly. Every active member of each chapter was required to subscribe
for this periodical and make payment for the same to the Executive
Council as part of his per capita tax. All sums so received by the Execu-
tive Council were to be turned over to the editor of the Quarterly
which in the future was to be known as the Delta Upsilon Magazine,
to be issued at least quarterly and to be under an Editor-in-chief,
whose assistants were to include the Secretary of the Executive
Council. 457
The Delta Upsilon Magazine made its appearance in March, 1894
"* Quarterly, XI:27, Annual, 1893.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 315
and was issued as a monthly fourteen times down to and including
April, 1896. Although it is evident that Fairbanks had issued at least
four numbers per year, and that was all that the delegates had stipu-
lated in 1893, the Magazine had not appeared as a monthly, which had
been the editor's aim. In the main, this defect was due to the failure
of the chapters to meet their obligations. Fairbanks and his assistants,
who included Robert J. Eidlitz, George P. Morris, Robert M. Lovett,
Ellis J. Thomas, Thornton B. Penfield, and Will Walter Jackson, had
labored to make the periodical a success and it was due to no fault of
theirs that earlier expectations were not realized. No definite state-
ment can be given of the financial side of the Magazine during the
years that Fairbanks was in charge as no fiscal report appears in the
Annual. It is evident, however, on the basis of other evidence that the
Magazine by the fall of 1895 was operating on a profit. To have accom-
plished this in the face of so many difficulties was a noticeable achieve-
ment. And yet Fairbanks believed that more might have been done
and would have been done but for the fact that his own work on the
New York Times consumed most of his energy and time. It was for
this reason that Fairbanks ofiered his resignation to the Convention
of 1896. The delegates recognized the justice of his pica and after
some discussion voted to place the editing and publishing of the Maga-
zine in the hands of the Executive Council. 458
The Executive Council, acting on the advice of Fairbanks, appointed
Thornton B. Penfield to be Editor-in-chief. Penfield entered upon his
work with consideiable enthusiasm. The first issue that appeared un-
der his direction was for December, 1896. From then on until Decem-
ber, 1901, Penfield managed the magazine, which had been re-named
the Delta Upsilon Quarterly, assisted by H. C. Wyckoff and Goldwin
Goldsmith. In return for his labor Penfield received for most of the
time the modest salary of three hundred dollars a year. 450 The Quar-
terly grew in size and influence, under Penfield's management. Each
issue came out on time and that in the face of many difficulties, chief
of which was the failure of some of the chapters to meet their obliga-
tions, financial or otherwise. In view of the fact that Penfield acted as
the agent of the Executive Council no report was presented by him to
the Convention. From the annual statement of the Council, however,
it may be seen that the Fraternity at large was more than pleased with
what Penfield had done. During his first year a total income of
488 Annual, 1894-1896.
^During 1900, a salary of $350.00 was paid. See Minutes of the Executive Council,
Dec. 8, 1899.
316 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
$1201.24 was reported by S. S. Hall, the Treasurer of the Fraternity.
Of this but eighty dollars came from advertisements, the balance aris-
ing from subscriptions. On the other hand the expenses amounted to
$1186.73, leaving a favorable balance of $14.51, to which might be
added $272.00 still due from unpaid subscriptions. This was the last
year that an itemized statement of the finances of the Quarterly ap-
peared in the Annual. In the Quarterly, however, for December, 1890,
Penfield presented the fact that during the year 1896 to 1897 there had
been a favorable balance of $14.51. During the next two years there
was a deficit of $257.00 and $206.90 respectively, though during 1899
to 1900 there was a net gain of Ji^-.Sj. 460
During 1900 to 1901, although Penfield was listed as general editor,
Goldwin Goldsmith actually assumed responsibility for the conduct
of the periodical. 461 Late in 1901 Penfield resigned from the board to
accept the position of International Secretary of the Young Men's
Christian Association and from that time until 1907 Goldsmith was
Editor-in-chief. At the request of the Executive Council, Goldsmith
introduced additional features and also undertook a drive for increas-
ing the number of alumni subscribers. Further, he was able to bring
about an amendment to the By-Laws providing that each member upon
retiring from his chapter should subscribe for the Quarterly for the
ensuing three years. The actual number of alumni subscribers gained
by this amendment did not equal by any means the total that it should
have, largely because there was no effective method available of mak-
ing these graduate subscribers live up to their promises. In spite of
this, however, alumni patrons of the Quarterly increased from three
hundred thirty-six to one thousand twelve during the seven years that
Goldsmith was in charge. In addition, the size of the Quarterly in-
creased from two hundred pages in volume XVIII to four hundred
eighty in volume XXV. The fact that it had taken all of seven years to
bring about this gain is striking proof of the enormous amount of
labor and time given by Goldsmith, for which he received the modest
stipend of three hundred dollars a year. Goldsmith himself felt that
a far better record should have been established and would have been
had the chapters and the alumni lived up to their obligations. Even
the content information in the Quarterly might have been improved
had the chapter editors been more prompt in sending in their com-
460 Annual, 1897-1900, Quarterly, XlX.iS-iy. The amount paid out in salaries was
not charged to the Quarterly.
461 Goldsmith was placed as Business Manager in Nov., 1900. His salary was raised
in Nov., 1906 to four hundred dollars, one-half of which was to go for office help.
See Minutes of the Executive Council, 1900, 1906.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 317
munications and alumni news. At times, indeed, no reports were re-
ceived from some of the chapters, a fact that led Goldsmith to propose
in 1907 the editor be empowered to compel the offending chapter to
appoint a new local editor.
The financial history of the Quarterly during the years that Gold-
smith was in charge is revealed by the following material: 402
Years Income Expenses Deficit Balance
1900-1901 $1,163.63 $1,315.20 $15127
1901-1902 1,22250 1,422,50 200 oo
1902-1903 1,236.06 1,367.06 131.00
1903-1904 1,31950 1,304.04 .. $ 1546
1904-1905 1,40989 1,589-18 17929
1905-1906 1,98850 1,684.23 .. . 30437
1906-1907 2,061.53 2,056.82 471
At the beginning of the year 1906-1907, Goldsmith was elected to the
Executive Council and although he retained his post on the Quarterly,
William O. Miller became to all intents and purposes the Editor-in-
chief.
Miller held this chair for four years during which time the number
of alumni subscribers all but reached four thousand. Miller also made
certain changes in the covers of the Quarterly and published the fiist
illustration in colors in any fraternity maga/ine. During Miller's ad-
ministration the Fraternity constitution was altered in a number of
ways that affected the management of the Quarterly. According to
these changes Miller and his assistants for a time were listed as Fra-
ternity officers under direct control of the convention and Executive
Council, of which latter body they were more 01 less a standing sub-
committee. Each chapter was to subscribe for as many copies as it had
undergraduate members and for one extra copy which was to be fur-
nished the chapter in the form of a bound volume at the close of the
year. In addition each active member paid an initiate tax the income
of which was used to provide a subscription for two years after leaving
college. 403 The income gained from the Quarterly was to be included
in the estimate of Fraternity expenses and was to be remitted to the
editor by the Executive Council. In the event that an associate editor
failed to perform his duties another member might be appointed upon
recommendation of the Executive Council.
m Annual, 1901-1907. Actually during 1906-1907 there was a deficit of $31.71 due
to certain outstanding bills payable.
M Annual, 1907-1911. In 1911 the Quarterly editors were removed from the Fra-
ternity officers and placed directly under the Council. In 1911 the initiate tax was
altered so as to entitle each member to the Quarterly for only one year after leaving
college.
gi8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
During the years that Miller was in charge of the Quarterly the
following financial record was reported: 464
Years Income Expenses Bills Pay- Bills Re- Deficit Surplus
able ceivable
1907-1908 $2,85352 $2,80752 $560.50 $78500 $15850
1908-1909 3,60326 3*588.89 68147 87800 18325 ....
1909-1910 3,78628 3,784.72 1*533-75 1,298.19 $237.12
1910-1911 3,918.25 3,900.50 1,39600 887.17 5883
While it is to be noted that a favorable balance appeared for the last
two years, it will readily be seen that the outstanding debts due the
Quarterly had risen to greater heights than ever before. Actually, the
cash balance for the year 1910-1911 was but $17.75 which in itself was
more than wiped out by bills payable. The failure on the part ol
the subscribers, chiefly alumni, to meet their obligations explains why
a larger cash balance was not on hand. And yet, Miller's record had
been a splendid one, particularly when it is contrasted with the reports
of the previous years. Small wonder was it, therefore, that the Execu-
tive Council and the Fraternity regretted Miller's retirement in the
fall of 1911.
Sheldon J. Howe, Brown '08, succeeded Miller and held the position
of chief editor for two years. During Howe's management the Fra-
ternity By-Laws were altered so as to provide each chapter member
with the Quarterly for one year after his retirement from college. The
following year, however, these laws were changed back to the former
condition whereby a graduating member was to receive the maga/inc
for two years after he had left college. The financial status of the
Quarterly while Howe was editor, is as follows: 405
Years Income Expenses Bills Pay- Bill Re- Deficit Balance
able ceivable
1911-1912 $5*397-83 ?5*i7769 $1,99250 $2,11189 $119.39
1912-1913 5* l8 7-64 5*35-3 1*94610 2,721.97 775.78
Once again the thing that attracts attention is not the increase in
revenue and expenses but rather the steady rise in bills payable and
receivable. In respect to the assets, approximately ninety-five percent
consisted of unpaid alumni subscriptions, of which an appreciable
amount was two years overdue. Needless to say, most of this, if not all,
would never be collected; a fact that Howe stressed in his annual
report in October, 1913. Were it not for the fact that advance sub-
scriptions to the amount of $1,393.35 had been received during the
* Annual, 1908-1911. Miller's salary in 1907 was $300 plus clerical help; the bal-
ance of the time it was $500 with no allowance for help.
* Annual, 1912-1913, Minutes of the Executive Council, Nov. 28, 1913.
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 319
year 1912-1913 a "disastrous crisis would have arisen. As it was the
Quarterly actually carried an indebtedness at the end of that year of
about $1,300. To meet this situation, Howe proposed that back debts
be paid and that either the price of the magazine be raised or else
that a drive be made foi greater advertisements." 466
So serious was the situation that the Board of Trustees, to whom the
Executive Council in the early fall of 1913 had assigned the control
of the Quarterly, made it the topic of a meeting held late in November
of the same year. At this gathering it was brought out that the expense
of publishing four numbers a year amounted to $1.20, while the income
for the same equalled but ninety-nine cents. The net loss of twenty-one
cents was explained on the ground that six hundred free copies were
issued annually. The Trustees believed that this deficit should not be
erased by increasing the subscription price of the undergraduates which
already was $1.50 per year. On the other hand the alumni were paying
but one dollar and this the board felt might safely be doubled. At the
same time printing costs might be cut down so that the annual expense
of four numbers would be around $1.04. Offsetting this, an income
of $1.42 might be realized. The Trustees were also of the opinion that
the accounts of the Quarterly should be combined with that of the
Treasurer. 407 No change was considered in the provision which allotted
the Quarterly for two years after leaving college to each undergraduate;
the cost of this being borne by a special assessment known as the "ini-
tiate tax." The Trustees also believed that it would be unwise to in-
crease the alumni rates as that might lead to a decrease in subscriptions.
As general editor the Board appointed Walter Wilgus of the Michigan
Chapter and later, in April, 1915, Walter P. McGuire, Minnesota '04.
McGuire remained in office until June, 1916. Both of these men drew
a salary of $500 a year, though this amount since October, 1914, was
no longer paid by the Council but by the Trustees who received
annually from the Council a sum equal to one dollar and a half for
each undergraduate subscription and from this amount the Trustees
paid the editor's salary. 468
In the hope of still furthering the activities of the Quarterly the
Trustees created what was known as the Quarterly Committee of which
the editor was by far the most important member. Again, the Board
was able in June, 1916, to obtain the services of Herbert Wheaton
Congdon, Columbia '97, as editor, a post that he held until June,
*lbid., 1913-
407 Minutes of the Board of Trustees, Nov. 38, 1913.
m Annual, 1914-1915.
330 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
1923. During these years several important changes were made in the
management of the Quarterly. Late in 1917 the By-Laws were amended
so as to provide each alumnus with the Quarterly as long as he paid an
annual tax of three dollars. Further, in the interest of relieving the
chapters oE financial troubles, which crowded these groups on the
advent of America's entrance into the World War, the Council voted
to hold each chapter responsible for but three subscriptions. This
provision expired upon the close of the War. Again in 1920 a change
was made in the use of the Initiate tax in so far as it concerned the
Quarterly. For some time past a share of this item had been set aside
to provide each member upon leaving college with the Quarterly for
two years. The rapid increase in alumni subscriptions made this feature
no longer necessary. In lieu, therefore, the By-Laws were altered so
that the Initiate tax might be used in part to pay the alumni tax of
each graduate for one year. And the payment of this sum entitled each
member to a year's subscription to the Quarterly upon becoming a
graduate member of the Fraternity. This was altered in 1921 so as to
provide a copy of the Quarterly to each undergraduate upon the pay-
ment of his chapter tax, no provision existing for his receiving copies
after graduation as had been the case before. Finally, it should be
noted that under Congdon's direction the Quarterly had improved to
a marked extent. The content material was of a higher type and the
skill that he showed in handling the finances was reflected by a rising
income and a decreasing expense. Even during the War, the Quarterly
earned both profits and reputation. 469
In the spring of 1923, Congdon retired from the post that he had
filled so well and from then until January, 1925, the Quarterly Com-
mittee of the Directors, headed by Frank W. Noxon, which had taken
over this periodical from the Trustees, handled the Quarterly. Part of
the editorial labor was carried by Harvey R. Cook of Rutgers for which
he received one hundred dollars for each number he issued. Noxon,
on the other hand, received no compensation at any time. By the close
of 1924 Thomas C. Miller reported to the Directors that Noxon
wished to be relieved and that it would now be necessary for the Board
to canvass the field for a new editor. A special committee was ap-
pointed and its report was accepted by the Directors in December,
1924. According to this report, Carroll B. Larrabee was appointed
Editor-in-chief at a salary of six hundred dollars a year. Larrabee,
therefore, became by this action a member of the Quarterly Commit-
409 Annual, 1916-1923, Minutes of the Executive Council, Oct. 27, 1918, Minutes o
Board of Trustees, 1916-1923
FRATERNITY PUBLICATIONS 321
tee. It should be noted in passing that the Directors passed a splendid
lesolution thanking Noxon for his services. Under Larrabee's adminis-
tration the high quality of the magazine has been well maintained,
while in January, 1932, the page size of the Quarterly was increased
about an inch. At the same time the form and color of the cover was
altered. Other improvements, detailed in nature, have been made from
time to time so that Delta Upsilon now has ample reason to be proud
of the splendid periodical that it maintains under the able editorship
of Larrabec. 4 ' 1
In conclusion it may be stated that the Quarterly represents the
most valuable publication undertaken by the Fraternity. Active and
alumni members have ever found in this periodical information that
has served to knit more closely the ties of friendship and brotherhood
between the members of the various chapters. Without the Quarterly,
Manual, Annual and Song-Book Delta Upsilon could hardly have
advanced to its present position. As centralizing forces these varied
publications have well re-paid the Fraternity in culture, brotherhood
and friendship.
4fl0tt Minutes of the Board of Directors, 1922-1933, Quarterly, 1922-1933. Since 1923
the editor has rendered no reports ol the finances to the convention as the entire
financial side of his undertaking is handled through the Fraternity Treasurer. This
officer's reports do not show what the total income from the Quarterly has been,
and there seems no adequate way of determining exactly what part ol the alumni
and chapter tax has year after year gone towards the support of this periodical.
The treasurer's repoit does show the expense incident to this publication, concerning
which see the Delta Upsilon Annual, 1923-1933.
Chapter XV
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE
ANTI-SECRECY INFLUENCES IN CHAPTER LIFE LITERARY ASPECTS
ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES SIZE OF CHAPTERS CHAPTER HOUSES-
SHIFT IN EMPHASIS SINCE 1 88 1 SCHOLASTIC RATINGS CHAPTER
TUTORS CHAPTER PUBLICATIONS APPEARANCE OF ALUMNI CLUBS
THE WORK OF THE NEW YORK DELTA UPSILON CLUB
HE historical development of Delta Upsilon connotes not merely
JL the genesis of anti-secret societies, the rise of the Anti-Secret Con-
federation, and the appearance of the Delta Upsilon Fraternity and
the Incorporated Fraternity in 1909. These factors, while significant
and of interest in themselves do not record how the members of the
Fraternity conducted themselves in chapter and alumni life. To the
student of the Social Sciences, chapter activities are possibly of greater
importance than the institutional growth of the Fraternity. What has
been the nature of a member's life within the Fraternity, what has
been the relation of these men to the other societies on the various
campuses, what college honors have been sought, what have the chap-
ters and alumni done along educational lines, what has been the rela-
tion between the societies and the administrative heads of the colleges
and universities, what have been the housing facilities and boarding
accommodations of the chapters; these and many other questions
naturally arise to which some attention must be given. For purposes
of organization this material may be treated chronologically and that
which first demands our consideration is the period which precedes
the appearance of the Quarterly. Prior to that date, 1881, our sources
of information are relatively limited and for that reason serve as a
convenient unit for treatment and discussion.
These sources include the manuscript records of the various chapters
and conventions, the letters that passed between these societies as well
as between the officers of the Fraternity, minutes of college faculties,
and the Annual. On the basis of these sources it may be concluded first
of all that the members of the Fraternity devoted considerable time
and effort towards the realization of their objectives and pledges. To
322
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 323
these men "secrecy" was an attitude that had no legitimate place in
the free and open air of American colleges and universities. Few if any
of the earlier members of the Fraternity were ignorant of the funda-
mental aims of the secret societies. The very essence of a fraternity was
the promotion of brotherhood and around this ideal a number of
different objectives were grouped more or less in agreement with the
basic thought. Relative to these purposes the founders of the Williams,
Union, Middlebury, Hamilton and Amherst had no quarrel. What
they did object to, however, was first that these secret groups clothed
their aims with the dark mantle of secrecy. And to Americans of the
1830*3 and 1840*8 "secrecy" was an alien institution. Further, it smacked
too much of European practices to warrant any place in Republican
America. The presence of the Anti-Masonic Party illustrates quite well
the widespread feeling within the United States that a secret society
was fundamentally anti-American. Closely akin to this attitude was
the knowledge that these college secret fraternities pursued a policy
that was detrimental to the best interests of the college and the student.
Monopolistic practices in class and college life paved the way for the
elimination of many a deserving student. Membership in a society
rather than individual merit elevated a few students to offices of trust
and distinction that should have been open to all attending college.
Finally, it should be noted that the standards of character as evidenced
by the conduct of the secret fraternity men seemed sadly out of keeping
with each other. Doubtless the earlier members of the Fraternity were
over severe in their condemnation of what they viewed as evil. In
accordance, however, with the existing ideals drinking was the hand-
maid of the devil and whoever indulged in the same was counted a
social outcast. The Union Chapter's denouncement of this practice in
the Spy-Glass speaks volumes as to what these men thought of the so-
called immoral ways of the secret societies. Fraternities, therefore, were
condemned because they were anti-American, given to unfair dealings
in college life and prone to excess in social conduct.
From 1834 down to 1879 Delta Upsilon proclaimed to all that it
was in opposition to secret societies. The publications of the earlier
chapters in part were shaped so as to show the shortcomings of these
organizations. Further, in chapter meetings and public assemblies the
anti-secret note was sounded by addresses and debates. The challenge
hurled at the Williams group to engage in a public disputation as to
the merits of secrecy was eagerly accepted as an opportunity to show
the evil ways of the secret fraternities. Other illustrations might be
cited but enough has been shown in this respect to demonstrate the
DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
f eelings of the founders of Delta Upsilon. The absence of any ritual, at
least in a formal way as it exists today, the reluctance on the part of
some of the chapters to adopt a song-book because the secret groups
had 'such publications, and the bitter strife that existed for many a
year over the question of a common badge and name, all indicate how
deeply imbedded was the anti-secret note. Finally, one recalls the
spirited attempt made by the Williams Chapter against what it con-
sidered the questionable practices of her sister societies; an attempt,
moreover, that not only failed but led to the secession of the chapter
so that it might advance the cause of anti-secrecy at Williams without
being hampered by membership in a Confederation that had drifted
away from the "faith of the fathers."
The steady growth of anti-secrecy during the 1830*5 and i84o's is
convincing evidence that its propaganda had fallen on fruitful soil.
The friendly attitude assumed by college heads, notably President
Nott of Union, the votes of confidence given by faculties, as in the
case of the Amherst Chapter, the attendance of the public at Fraternity
meetings all attest to the success of these early efforts. Then again, it
should be recalled, that participation in class and college honors was
through the efforts of the earlier chapters thrown open to all. Nor
should one forget that the membership rolls of some of these units
included the greater share of the entire student body and, as in the
case of Union, so successful had the movement become that the evils
against which that chapter had fought largely disappeared on that
campus.
These achievements, which cannot be disputed in the light of the
available evidence, brought about a change, however, in the attitude o
the chapters towards the secret societies. In part this was due to a
realization by some of the members that persons of sterling character
might belong to secret organizations and yet lose none of their standing
or caste. Then again, it must be recalled that many a man who pledged
himself to Delta Upsilon did so not because he was fundamentally in
opposition to secrecy but because he had not received an invitation to
join one of these fraternities. A leaven of this type could not help to
produce in time a more temperate attitude towards the secret groups.
Finally, it should be noted that as success was won the existence of anii-
secrecy became less assured. Reform thrives where evil lives, but with
the elimination of the latter the raison d'etre disappears. On the other
hand tradition had fostered fraternal loyalties and these loyalties soon
found ground for further growth in a re-shaping of the aims and
ideals of the Fraternity. As has been noticed in an earlier part of this
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 325
volume this tendency towards a more liberal note manifested itself by
the 1850'$. Certain chapters slowly adopted some of the mannerisms
and ways of the secret societies and although Williams most ener-
getically sought to quell this movement it was all in vain. Williams
withdrew and the movement gained further impetus as a result. The
change in the name of the Fraternity from the Anti-Secret Confedera-
tion to Delta Upsilon in 1864 illustrates the trend of events. Further,
the agitation for a more formal ritual and the use of a song-book during
the same decade shows how rapidly the chapters were moving away
from the older anti-secret days. By the 1870*8 the Fraternity was to all
intents and purposes no longer an anti-secret society, even though
each chapter pledged its men to the pursuit of that ideal. Lip-service
to anti-secrecy continued, while practice pointed in another direction.
Cornell and Michigan, among other chapters, led the movement to-
wards a more accurate pronouncement of the aims and ideals of the
Fraternity. By 1879 the battle was almost won when the convention
voted to allow those chapters that so wished to call themselves "non-
secret" societies, a statement that was ultimately placed in the constitu-
tion at the Brown Convention of 1881.
Chapter discussions relative to secrecy often served as a subject for
literary exercises. These exercises played a vital role in the life of each
society. Local constitutions, moreover, provided that these activities
should take place at regular intervals subject to the control of the
chapter President and Critic. It was the duty of the former, in most
societies, to assign topics to individual members whose argument and
style was then reviewed and discussed by the Critic. Failure to meet an
assignment frequently carried with it a fine or penalty. In general these
meetings were open to everyone, while on stated occasions the chapters
often presented a public entertainment in one of the college or town
buildings. Judging from the records of these meetings, it would appear
that the members took keen delight in this effort and strove to main-
tain a high standard of thought and composition. Each retiring Presi-
dent, moreover, delivered a farewell address which seems to have been
viewed by the members as an event of unusual importance, particularly
as this officer was apt to deliver an oration that contained a charge to
the chapter as to its subsequent activity. Others frequently gave ora-
tions and in most of the societies there existed an officer known as the
Orator whose special task was to speak on pertinent matters. Some of
the topics of debate and oratory might well be mentioned as indicating
the interests of these students. The Oregon Question, the Right of
Nullification and Secession, the Corn Laws of England, the Annexation
326 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
of Texas, the Mexican War, the Attitude of Massachusetts in respect
to Roger Williams, these and many others show how politically minded
were these young men. Then again, topics social in nature were pre-
sented such as the Rights of Women, the Evils of War and the Merits
of Peace, the Wisdom of Capital Punishment and a number of ethical
questions like, Is Deceit ever Justifiable. Orations not only dealt with
political and social problems but frequently touched on literary and
dramatic events such as the work of a Dante or Shakespeare. In clos-
ing this subject the following quotation from the address of Samuel
J. Rogers, Rutgers '59, delivered at the first anniversary of that chapter
reveals an attitude which is both interesting and instructive: 470
Accounting the Fraternity strictly moral as indeed it must be by our
constitution or cease to exist I would place as the first characteristic
Harmony or unity of feeling. Thus far harmony has prevailed but
differences may arise. One querulous member may do much mischief.
Beware then whom you receive among your own members. Let a man
prove himself worthy of the advantages which our society offers and
then if he is willing receive him. Do not however press him for if he is
a man of good sense he will spurn the cajoling trickery of electioneer-
ing. Perhaps this caution is unnecessary inasmuch as those who have
tried their hand at this business are about leaving, but from my heart
I loathe this chicanery, this sticking plaster process by which a man
of little vanity ... is led as it were by the hook of praise to the lofty
pedestal of our society.
But I was speaking of numbers and here I would add that it is not
always the most brilliant Freshman or Sophomore that makes the best
Junior or Senior or attains to the highest position in after life. Look
not then to those who are ready in recitation for the first few weeks
but rather mark the diligent student the earnest hard working man.
We object not to the brilliant ones nor do we under estimate natural
powers but observations hath taught us that the polished surface soon
dims if the metal be not pure beneath. Genius will not supply the
place of labor. Nor will the self conscious student who relies on genius
ever be in harmony with the objects of our society. Men we must have
but let them be men who can and will grow under the training which
we here receive. Men who are willing to spend their leisure in pre-
paring for our meetings. Then may we trust that they will unite with
us in promoting the harmony and unity of feeling which now exists.
Next to the careful choice of members would I place the shunning
of all the political strife. We have thus far very fortunately kept aloe?
from the dirty shirt of college politics or rather it has kept aloof from
us for during no time of my four years course in old Rutgers has there
been so little manifestation of party spirit as during the past year.
Training in chapter literary activities schooled many a student to
* Preserved at the Fraternity Headquarters.
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI UFE 327
play a more prominent r61e in the literary societies and work o the
college. An examination of the Annuals and other sources shows quite
well the number of academic honors won by the members. Some of
these distinctions consisted of managing student publications, others
of delivering addresses and orations at graduation and other college
functions. It is evident that the chance to be Class Valedictorian was
one that was highly valued and for which students worked most
diligently. Further, many of these honors carried with them medals
or prizes in gold. And it was with great pride that each chapter re-
ported to the others either by letter or at convention that it had won
this or that coveted distinction. Chapters, evidently, reported that
which they considered they had excelled in during the past year.
Finally, it should be observed that this literary training in and out
of the chapter aptly prepared many a man for his future life.
A large number of the men who joined Delta Upsilon during these
years entered upon the ministry as their life's calling. Naturally, there-
fore, it might be expected that considerable attention was paid to
religious and moral matters. This has already been commented on in
respect to literary work. It should also be noticed that the chapters
seemed extremely careful not to select men who might disgrace the
society by drinking or other immoral practices. Those who did fre-
quently found themselves isolated and in many cases suspended and
expelled from the group. Drinking rather generally was viewed as a
sin and it was one of the faults that the chapters usually found with
the secret fraternities. Within the chapter itself religious exercises
were held, while prayer and benediction were showered upon the
members at their gatherings by a special officer known as the Chaplain.
And when perchance one of the members died, the chapter not only
went in mourning by wearing crepe on the badges for a limited time
and by attending the funeral services, if held at the college, but also
informed the other chapters of their loss. These notices were quite
fonnal in nature and appropriately printed in black and white on
Fraternity stationery. The societies who received these notices fre-
quently passed resolutions of sympathy which in time were forwarded
to the chapter who had suffered this loss. All of this formality was
not viewed by these men as a mere gesture; rather was it interpreted
by them as a solemn duty that was endorsed by chapter practice and
public opinion.
Chapter activity in athletics is not a prominent affair in the period
preceding 1880. This of course is explained on the ground that fonnal
or organized efforts along these lines were not common at that time.
3*8 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Baseball and football while indulged in do not seem to have attracted
either the effort or attention of the students as did literary and class-
work. Play existed but it was largely play for play's sake. Walking
seems to have been extensively indulged in. All athletic exercise seems
to have been viewed not merely as a means of building a sound body
but also as an avenue for greater fraternal feeling. In this latter re-
spect it is to be noted that social activities were frequent enough
to be considered common. These activities consisted of refreshments
after meetings, an occasional dinner or banquet, or an "Ice Cream
and Strawberry Supper for certain of our friends." 471 These friends
included not only the faculty and townspeople but also the ladies,
especially at colleges like Syracuse which were co-educational. An
examination of the Minute Book of this chapter shows that its mem-
bers were vitally interested in the companionship of the co-eds, whose
names and escorts are given together with the nature of the entertain-
ment provided.
The lengthy list of names indicates a chapter of some size. The size
of the various chapters differed both in respect to the student enroll-
ment and as to time. During the very early years it would seem that
some of the societies included a large number. Union, for example
in 1838, is reported to have had one hundred and three members.
Evidently, this is an extreme case as may be seen by examining the
chapter rolls as given in the Quinquennial. In this publication one
will find that the average chapter prior to 1881 numbered not more
than sixteen, though there were times when the size fell to as low as
one, as in the case of Washington and Jefferson, and as high as fifty-
six as at Union. Amherst in 1872 is stated as having forty-five men.
Cornell, on hearing this, wrote a friendly letter in which she pointed
out the dangers of so large a body and remarked that if Amherst
would be "much more particular about your men and less particular
about the number, you will confer a great favor, not only on the
Cornell Chapter, but on the whole Fraternity." 472 In general, it would
seem that none of the societies were over-large from our standards of
today, though it should be remembered that few institutions at that
time had an enrollment that permitted a larger membership. Further-
more, none of the societies were compelled to increase their size by
reason of economic considerations. Local and national taxes, as has
been pointed out, were relatively low and at no time does one
encounter any protest to these levies. Initiation fees, in so far as our
471 Minutes of the Marietta Chapter, May 25, 1872.
47a Cornell to Amherst, Nov. 30, 1872.
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 329
sources show, were not common during the early days and even when
they appear they can hardly be viewed excessive even for that day.
Middlebury, for example, in 1863 imposed an initiation fee of one
dollar. Amherst in 1869 had a similar levy of three dollars, Cornell
in 1872 taxed its initiates ten dollars. Syracuse in 1874 charged five
dollars, while Marietta in 1870 voted to raise its fee from five to
eight dollars.
On the basis of this evidence as well as from other sources it would
seem that none of the chapters levied a large initiation fee, the income
from which went solely for local expenses. On the other hand it
appears that the amount of this tax had a tendency to increase in size
as the years went on, but in no case has an incident been found prior to
1880 where this fee exceeded ten dollars. It may be that were our sources
for this period more extensive a higher rate might be discovered. This
same defect makes any conclusion relative to other taxes somewhat
uncertain. In the main, however, it appears that sums were collected
to defray the costs of literary, debate and entertainment activities, the
cost in each case per member being probably less than a dollar or two
per year. In some instances it would appear that small charges were
levied to meet the expense of publishing local material, such as the
Spy-Glass and Catalogues. The purchase of badges seems, so far as our
sources disclose, an individual affair. The only other item that seems
to have fallen upon the members was that of rent, concerning which no
definite information is at hand. To meet this last mentioned expense
it seems that the chapters levied semester dues, a practice which in a
few cases antedates the actual renting of rooms or a hall. On the other
hand, the national Fraternity assessed the chapters very small amounts,
the income from which went to defray publication of the Annual,
which first appeared in 1870, the clerical expenses of Headquarters and
one or two other items of no great importance. 473
All of these financial matters seem to have been discussed in chapter
meetings. Attendance at these gatherings was considered both a privilege
and a duty, while absences unexcused were usually penalized by a small
tax. In the main it would appear that the members were more than
willing to be present. "At the ringing o the bell," so runs the Williams
record in March, 1850, "many a Socia warm hearted and true hastened
to the usual place of meeting." From this same source one reads: "The
number present was large. The room was literally full, both of the
regular members of the Society, and of those who now for the first time
attended its meeting." And while none of the other records report
* 78 See above p. 177.
33 o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
attendance in so glowing terms, it is evident that most of the members
were present at each meeting. Absences, of course, existed as may be
seen from an examination of any of the records of the chapters. In the
Williams' Minutes for example for May, 1856 the following statement
appears after the roll had been called: "but the answers were like angel's
visits few and far between." Again in another entry in the Williams
record it is stated "A few seniors were present, some juniors favored us
by their presence, but the wise sophs, buried in the study of profound
subjects, treated the matter as beneath their notice and so stayed away.
The Freshmen, credulous pates, thinking there is really something in
the principle here advocated, are for the most part regular in their
attention." Finally, it may be noted that non-attendance by the upper
classmen at Union was one of the factors that ultimately led to the
death of that chapter.
In the case of Union one of the factors that caused a rift in the life
of that chapter had to do with the question of a Fraternity Home. As
has been pointed out during the 1 830*5 and i84o's, most of the society
meetings were held in either the rooms of the individual members or in
some room assigned to them by the faculty. Hamilton, for example,
often held its meetings in the Assembly, Bell or Senior Reception
Rooms, while Amherst had quarters assigned to it in North College.
Exactly when the chapters moved from rooms of this type to what
might be considered more or less private quarters cannot be stated with
precision. Probably this took place in the late 1850*5, though it is not
until 1861 that we meet a chapter leasing rooms off the campus. In
that year, Rochester acquired a set of rooms, probably on Exchange
Street for a period of ten years. Others followed later on. Rutgers, for
example, had a rented room on Liberty Street in 1867 and on Hiram
Street the following year, while Cornell held its meetings in 1869 at
11 Green Street and later in the Wilgus and Fish Blocks. Syracuse,
likewise, in 1874 was in Pike Block, while in 1877 it was located at the
Rice Block. During the 1870*8, moreover, discussion took place in some
of the chapters relative to the acquisition of a permanent home, one,
moreover, that was owned by the chapter. Marietta, for example, on
December 19, 1874, debated the question of starting a building asso-
ciation for a permanent home, while Colgate reported to the 1877
Convention that she had over $4,500 raised "with which at some future
day" the chapter was to "erect a Chapter Hall." No Chapter House as
such, however, seems to have been owned by any of the societies during
the period now under discussion. Each chapter, therefore, seems to have
occupied quarters in one of the College buildings or to have leased rooms
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 331
somewhere else. In every case an attempt was made to make these rooms
as attractive as possible. Western Reserve in 1877 reported that they
were the proud owners of a $650 piano, while Hamilton the following
year boasted of a grand piano in a room that was "kept warm during
the winter," which made it "a very pleasant resort for the members who
may be downtown." Middlebury in 1880 reported "Our hall contains
over one thousand dollars worth of furniture, including a five hundred
dollar grand square piano and a choice library of about three hundred
volumes. We have one of the best boats on the river and have just
erected a new boat house." At Marietta in 1872 the chapter erected at
one end of its hall a stage for dramatic presentations. All of the rooms
seem to have had rugs, tables, chairs, lamps and the like, but none of
them were equipped for the serving of meals or for the sleeping of its
members. In other words fraternity homes in those days were conceived
solely as meeting places for the transaction of business and literary
affairs and as a convenient center for very informal social gatherings. 474
Business meetings of the chapters not only concerned matters of
finance but included a number of activities incident to the structure of
the Fraternity. Each unit prior to 1881 legislated on matters that today
would be handled by one of the governing boards. To illustrate, while
all of the chapters had accepted a uniform badge, the ordering and
style of the same seems to have been a local, if not an individual affair.
Further, the use of a crest seems to have been largely a chapter affair,
as was also the form of initiation. Although the Fraternity's Consti-
tution imposed certain restrictions on the pledging of men, each unit
seems to have exercised a wide theater for local action. Cornell, for
example, in 1872 reported to Amherst that two votes excluded a candi-
date from the chapter, while in 1840 names were proposed that had
not been investigated before. Ten years later this chapter directed that
a committee of two from each of the three upper classes was to have the
sole right of proposing the names of students who had been in college
for at least four weeks. Finally, it should be noted that suspension and
expulsion was practically a local affair. Cornell, for example, in 1877
notified the other chapters that a Junior had been expelled because
he had been attempting to convert the society into a branch of the
Sigma Phi Secret Fraternity, while another for the same reason had
been placed on probation. 475
As has already been mentioned the relation between the chapters
and the various secret societies was not always as friendly as might be
* 7i See Annual, 1870-1880.
* w Cornell to the other Chapters, April s8, 1877, Cornell to Amherst, Nov. 30, 1872.
332 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
desired. All of the available records support this thesis and show, more-
over, that a number of persons were dismissed for having joined these
organizations. Inter-society disputes were frequent. The annals of the
Marietta, Michigan, Syracuse, Colby and Williams Chapters show a
number of incidents where feeling ran high and where at times the
halls of the chapters were raided by their enemies and considerable
property destroyed. Instances of this type are more numerous prior to
the Civil War than after, though echoes of the same continue down
even beyond 1881. Middlebury writing to Amherst, October 20, 1870,
stated "The lines of division between our men and the Secrets have
become this fall more distinct than ever. Tarty feelings' rage quite
extensively. ... In all but one class there has been considerable strife.
We have had our own proper share in the spoils. The truth is we are
becoming more of a power in the land; hence there is all the more
opposition." In the main, however, much of the hostile feeling towards
the fraternities tended to disappear in due time. In respect to college
or university authorities, each chapter seems to have won in general
the good will and support of these men. President Nott of Union was
always friendly to the local society, while at Washington and Jefferson
the presence of a Delta U at the head of that institution did much to
further the growth of that unit. Amherst, alone of the chapters, seems
to have met opposition, an opposition that centered in the President
of that college and among certain of the faculty and which may have
had something to do with the disappearance of that chapter. At least
Williams in a letter to Rutgers reported that faculty opposition had
killed the Amherst Chapter. 476
Beginning with 1881 the internal life of the various chapters seems
to have entered upon a new direction. In part this was due to the
appearance of the Executive Council, which together with other central
agencies, controlled many of the things which heretofore had been
handled by the chapters in respect to general Fraternity matters. These
agencies moreover imposed upon the chapters duties and responsibilities
that were partly new. At the same time, moreover, uniform practices
and procedures were put into operation in respect to certain chapter
activities. Then again, this modification in the internal life of the
societies was due to a change that was taking place in student and
college attitudes. University authorities were emphasizing new ideas,
co-education was becoming more common, while the students them-
selves were devoting more and more time to extra-curricular activities.
* TO See above p. 39.
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 333
The alumni, moreover, were influencing both college and fraternity life
in a way that had not been known before.
The change in chapter attitude is well shown by a slackening of
interest in literary activity. For some time after 1881 the various so-
cieties continued to pay attention to this matter as may be seen by an
examination of the Annual and Quarterly. These sources, however,
as well as the reports of the various general Fraternity officers who
visited the chapters, furnish very little data after the beginning of the
present century. A few of the societies like Brown, Rutgers and Syracuse
still devoted some attention to this work, but in the main it would
appear that most of the chapters gave scanty consideration to what
used to be one of the most important activities of the Fraternity. Con-
scious of this fact the Directors in 1926 asked Brother Larrabcc to
investigate the situation. His report which was rendered in November
of the same year, and which was based upon a questionnaire sent out to
all chapters (only twenty-eight were interested enough to reply) dis-
closes some interesting material. Larrabee found that only six chapters
had literary programs of some kind and of these only De Pauw and
Swarthmore seemed convinced of the merit of the same. Those that did
not have these activities assigned a number of icasons for not having
such. In the main, it was argued that chapter meetings were already
too lengthy and were burdened with many matters of greater significance
to warrant giving any attention to literary pursuits. It was also claimed
that extra-curricular activity as well as studies crowded the students'
time so that he could not afford to devote any consideration to these
other matters. Larrabee believed that something, however, might be
done, though he strongly advised against introducing a program that
might have "pleased Garficlcl." On the other hand a program guided
along lines relative to fraternity work and policy might meet with
chapter support and success. Something along these lines was suggested
to the chapters by Brothers Glenn and Scott on their visits to the
societies and in some cases attempts were made to revive literary activity.
In 1932 a questionnaire was sent out to the chapters on the basis of
which eight reported that they were having literal y exercises of some
type. None of these eight, however, actually attempted to pattern their
efforts in accordance with the practice of the past century. Formal
debate, declamation, orations or recitation of prose and poetry that
formerly characterized chapter meetings seem to have been largely dis-
carded. In lieu thereof, it appears that about one-fifth of the chapters
have gatherings at which faculty members participate. These meetings
are not necessarily devoted to fraternity problems. In addition, it should
334 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
be noted that practically every society has among its members those
who engage in campus publication, debate or literary work. Doubtless
decided benefits are gained by these men, though the chapter misses the
stimulus that the older procedure provided. Recently at Syracuse there
has been some talk of reviving "publics" to the extent of opening the
chapter house to an address and discussion by some prominent person.
Closely connected with this activity is that which relates to the
scholastic standing of each chapter. Particular attention has been given
to this matter for some time. Anyone who will take the pains to read
the early numbers of the Quarterly will at once be impressed with the
prominence of this topic in chapter life. In part this was due to local
pride, though the influence of the Fraternity should not be overlooked.
Albert W. Ferris, New York '78, in the October, 1886 issue of the
Quarterly reported that for the past twenty-one years his chapter had
taken 27.3 percent of the scholastic honors conferred upon New York
undergraduates, which was 10 percent greater than its closest rival.
Expressed in terms of fellowship grants Delta Upsilon at New York
won $2400 out of a total of $7,400. Equally significant excerpts might
be taken from other sources. As one reads, however, the chapter letters
of the present century, it is readily noted that the correspondents place
less and less emphasis upon scholastic accomplishments, while greater
attention is paid to athletic and social activities. Larrabee in his report
on chapter meetings in 1926 pointed out that those chapters whose
grades were low paid little attention to literary work, while those that
did gained higher ratings.
This shift in emphasis coincides with the increased stress that is
placed upon such matters by students generally throughout the country.
In spite of study hours and the repeated lip-service that is paid to the
importance of scholarship, the average fraternity man devotes consider-
able time today to movies, dates, dances and bridge parties. The fact
that University authorities permit student participation in inter-
sectional athletic contests explains in part why alumni and under-
graduate members applaud the four-letter man in preference to the
wearer of the key of Phi Beta Kappa. On the other hand an honest
attempt is being made by college presidents and faculties to improve
scholastic ratings. Initiation into a fraternity is dependent upon a certain
standard, a fact that has compelled the chapters to be rather insistent
that freshmen keep up in their studies. The Fraternity, moreover, has
consistently stressed the value of scholastic attainments during the past
three decades. Charts and diagrams, bolstered up by imposing data,
depicting each chapter's standing have frequently appeared in the
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 335
Quarterly. Special commendation has also been given to the winners
of a Rhodes Scholarship or election to membership in an honorary
fraternity. The various field secretaries, the local alumni trustees and
the chapter counsellors have repeatedly urged the societies to gain a
higher rating. At present a distinct effort is being made along these lines
as John Scott visits the various chapters. At Rutgers, a graduate member
lives at the fraternity house and acts as a general tutor and advisor,
particularly to the first two classes, while Cornell and Oklahoma have a
scheme somewhat the same. A similar arrangement, moreover, existed
in 1933 at Syracuse. A majority of the chapters in 1932 reported, more-
over, that they had definite study hours, though in a few cases this was
restricted to freshmen and others low in their classes. Most of these
societies reported that the system worked fairly well, though two or
three frankly stated that the procedure was a total failure. Sixteen
chapters, however, reported that they had no study hours at all for
either lower or upper division students. Some of these societies, more-
over placed no restrictions of any kind upon freshmen engaging in
extra-curricular activities, while one quite honestly admitted that it
was their policy to have freshmen in as many activities as possible.
Twenty-seven chapters in all placed no limitations upon their first-year
men, while the others reported that these restrictions were only imposed
for low scholastic rating. The handling of these matters was lodged
usually in the chapter, though in a few cases the alumni seem to have
had some control.
Emphasis has also been placed, chiefly at the instigation of the General
Fraternity, upon a knowledge of the history and general policies of
Delta Upsilon. Exactly when this matter was first taken up is not known,
though it is clearly established that it began as a chapter affair. Doubt-
less the idea of requiring initiates to know something about the Fra-
ternity's past developed at a number of different chapters and was
subject to local direction. On the other hand ever since the days of the
early conventions addresses seem to have been given which must have
been motivated in part by a desire to educate the younger generation
in the annals of Delta Upsilon. As a result, therefore, of these two forces
each chapter seems to have demanded, during the latter half of the
nineteenth century, that its pledges acquire something of a historical
background. Once this practice was established it was not long before
the central officers began to think about a uniform program. In the
October, 1901 number of the Quarterly there appeared a rather lengthy
editorial about fraternity examinations with particular reference to
that in use by the Michigan Chapter. The editor of this article urged
33 6 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
all of the chapters to consider the Michigan form. Two years later the
matter was brought before the attention of the convention which after
some debate passed a resolution favoring a general fraternity exami-
nation. The procedure adopted permitted a chapter either to use the
form prepared by the Executive Council or one of its own, though in
either case correction and rating seems to have been handled by the
Council.
No serious modification took place until 1916 when the chapters were
advised that in the future the examinations were to be based upon the
Manual as a text book. Further it would appear that from this time on
the examination taken was one made out by a member of the Executive
Council to whom all answers were to be sent for correction. A detailed
statement of the results then appeared in the Quarterly. In 1920 a
discussion of the examination system took place at the convention at
which time it was voted that no membership certificates were to be
issued until a satisfactory examination had been passed. As a result
of this the Fraternity Examiner, acting under the Executive Council
and later the Council, proceeded to test every pledge prior to his initia-
tion; the results being tabulated in the Quarterly. Late in 1921 through
the kindness of Brother Joseph Banigan a trophy was offered to the
chapter winning the highest rating each year, Kansas being the first
society to gain this award which was in the form of a shield. The follow-
ing year the convention acting upon the suggestion of the Council
voted that the examination should be successfully passed as a pre-
requisite to initiation. In spite of this ruling some of the chapters were
slow in meeting these requirements and were only led to do so after
pressure had been brought to bear upon them. Finally, in 1929 the
Council voted that the trophy award should be given permanently to
the chapter that won first-place a total of three times. Anyone who has
taken the pains to read the annual reports of the Examiner as they
appear in the Council's report to the Convention can not but fail to
see that the general objective aimed at has been fairly well attained.
The General Fraternity has also attempted, with considerable suc-
cess, to stimulate chapter interest in local publications. From the earliest
period of the Fraternity some of the societies tried to keep in touch
with their alumni by encouraging them to participate in chapter affairs,
by inviting them back to initiation and anniversary gatherings and
occasionally by direct news letters. Upon the founding of Our Record
and Quarterly space was allotted to the chapters and a record of each
society's activity in this was brought to the attention of some of the
alumni. Exactly when chapter magazines were first issued is not known.
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 337
Rochester in 1871 published a University Annual which continued to
last until 1877, while Brown, during 1865-1866 issued the Caduceus;
this latter publication re-appeared from 1868-1872. Swarthmore, at the
time of its foundation, issued what it pleased to call the Triangle.
McGill is listed with a periodical, the Oracle, in 1900 while Nebraska
blossomed forth in 1906 with a Goldenrod. In the same year New York
published a tract known as Our Record. Wisconsin, Technology and
Tufts also had periodicals. A Torpedo appeared at Pennsylvania in
1908 as did a Circle from Middlebury. Other publications were issued
by other chapters in the years that followed.
In the meantime the Executive Council had become interested in
this type of work and in 1904, as the result of a convention vote, under-
took to aid the chapters in issuing alumni letters. In the year that
followed fifteen chapters availed themselves ol the central office in
putting out these letters, while eleven others did so independently.
Only ten societies failed to communicate with their alumni. During
1905-1906, due to the success which had attended the efforts of the
Executive Council, only three chapters failed in this important work.
This type of activity was continued for a number of years, during which
time the Executive Council through its Secretary to the Alumni fur-
nished the various chapters with a form that might be followed. The
advent of the World War disiuptcd this system to a marked extent with
the result that the Council ceased most of its former activity. Some of the
chapters continued to issue letters to their alumni, but it was not until
1922 that the Council re-assumed its older position. By this time, how-
ever, so many of the chapters were issuing tracts or periodicals that
the Council's activities were directed to a general control of such publi-
cations and not as to alumni letters. Robert R. Harkness, Colgate '14,
was placed in charge of this matter. By the close of 1922 he had dis-
covered that at least eighteen of the chapters had published various
magazines and that alumni reaction to the same was most favorable.
The following year Harkness reported to the Council that thirty-two of
the chapters were issuing publications of some sort in addition to an
annual and that the average cost was about thirty-four dollars for an
issue of three hundred copies of four to six pages. For the next few years
Harkness and other Supervisors of Chapter Publications continued to
encourage the societies in this work and at times offered suggestions
as to how these publications might be improved.
So valuable had these magazines become that Horace G. Nichol,
Supervisor of Chapter Publications, suggested in the spring of 1929 that
the Fraternity issue a "Manual" to guide these efforts and that a trophy
338 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
be annually awarded to the chapter that might win the best rating
three times. Both the Council and the Directors approved of the same
and voted a sum of money to take care of the necessary expenses. To
this there was added late in 1932 a grant to subsidize these publications
in accordance with a procedure offered by the Council. The reaction of
the chapters to this has been highly pleasing as may be seen by an
examination of the many publications that are issued each year. Rutgers
in 1930 was awarded the honor of having published the best periodical
for the past year (the Raritian) , though Union gained the coveted
trophy by securing the highest rating three times in succession. The
Union publication is known as the Open Visor.
Through these various periodicals the alumni have been brought
into greater contact with their chapters. These men have come to realize
that though no longer undergraduates they are still an essential part
of the chapter. It is, therefore, no surprise to note that the alumni have
been active partners with the undergraduates in the conduct of local
affairs. Their assistance in matters of chapter finance, morals, social
activities, rushing, scholarship, initiation and the like is evidenced today
in a thousand different ways. And though at times the active member
may wonder at the influence exercised by the alumni, this bewilderment
speedily vanishes when he stops to think of material advantages the
alumni have brought to the chapter. Around him and on every hand
magnificent fraternity houses have arisen equipped with furnishings
that lead both to comfort and the fullness of fraternal spirit. Prior to
1881 not a single chapter owned its own home, though in 1882 a start
was made in this direction by the Colgate Chapter. According to the
Quarterly, December, 1882, "The Madison Chapter is occupying its
new hall, the first chapter house built in the Fraternity. The building
is the admiration of the town and the pride of the Chapter. It is a
three-story brick building in Queen Anne style. The location is a corner
lot near the centre of the town, and on the principal street. The first
floor is occupied by parlors, library, etc.; the second floor is taken up
with the assembly room and students' apartments; the third is entirely
occupied by the members." 477 Colgate's efforts were followed by Ambers t
in 1884, Syracuse and Michigan in the spring of 1887, Cornell in the
fall of the same year, while Hamilton moved into its own home during
the winter of 1887. In the meantime New York and Columbia shared the
quarters of the New York Delta Upsilon Club, while Williams pur-
chased a house into which she moved in the spring of 1888. Rochester
477 For more complete data see Quarterly, 11:7-8.
a!
0)
U4
a J
^
a:
<
x
Ii.
Id
When They Came in 1907
f
Trie above cartoon was inspired by the arrival of the convention train twenty
years ago. Older Minnesota alumni doubtless remember that memorable occasion,
as did Brother Chamberlain who preserved the drawing.
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CARTOON
1927
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 339
followed with a fine home in i8go. 478 By 1898 ten of the chapters owned
their homes, ten rented, while the remainder, fifteen, had rooms of
various types. A decade later the number of owned homes had risen to
seventeen. Further acquisitions were made in the years that followed.
At the same time many of the chapters who had lived in their own
homes constructed new residences. According to a questionnaire sent
out to the chapters in 1932 it would appear that with but few exceptions
all of the houses are owned either by the chapters themselves or by an
alumni organization of the chapters.
A large majority of the chapters maintain a table, though it would
appear that Manitoba, Dartmouth, and Virginia do not. In general
most of the societies require their members, except those living at home,
working for their board or excused by reason of athletic participation,
to eat at the house. Many of the chapters are also able to hold the larger
share of their dances and social activities within their homes. The
equipment of most of the homes is in general much the same. Some
provide the members with private sleeping and study quarters, while
others utilize the dormitory system. Many also have guest rooms. In
some cases the chapters have special rooms set aside for their meetings
that at Lehigh, for example, being particularly well adapted for that
purpose. Everything, in short, seems to have been done by the chapter
and the alumni to create a surrounding that is conducive to the best
interests of all. Within these homes, which probably are more pre-
tentious than those from which most of the members come, the life of
the chapter centers. Subject to the rules of the general Fraternity, the
local chapters, and of the college or university, the members are sup-
posed to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the standards
of Delta Upsilon. Drinking, immoral practices and gambling are strictly
forbidden, though instances have arisen where violations have taken
place. In the minutes of the Lehigh Chapter, to illustrate, there is an
entry that while forbidding gambling permitted the same on Saturday
night, provided it was confined to the top floor.
The actual conduct of fraternity meetings, which generally are held
on Monday night, is handled in the main by the local officers in much
the same manner. 479 In a large number of cases the financial side of the
chapter is conducted wholly or in part by the alumni though the details,
such as the collection of dues or assessments is usually left in the hands
of the undergraduates. These alumni councillors seem also to have a
478 See Quarterly and Annual, 1882-1890, passim.
479 A few of the chapters do not hold weekly meetings. Absences, unless excused,
are subject to fine or punishment; "two paddles" in one case.
34 o DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
directing voice in other matters. Chapter meetings are usually attended
by only the undergraduates though alumni of any chapter are always
permitted to attend and occasionally do. Some of the chapters have at
times allowed outsiders to be present while a large number encourage
the fathers, brothers and near male relatives to attend initiation. A few
of the societies have had the mothers present at these rites while others
like Middlebury, Miami and Missouri have allowed university officers
to attend. In one case, Manitoba, the initiation ceremonies are "abso-
lutely" not open to non-Delta Upsilons. In most instances these rites are
held early in the second semester. Numerous exceptions, however, exist:
Amherst, Manitoba, McGill, Toronto and Brown, for example, conduct
initiations in the fall; while Kansas, Oregon State and Chicago report
that this takes place as soon as the pledges have secured satisfactory
grades. Western Ontario and Miami hold initiation in the sophomore
year. Pledging takes place in the early fall in most institutions though
some of the chapters by reason of university ruling delay this for a time.
Dartmouth pledges only in the second year, Harvard reports that she
pledges only upper classmen, while California at Los Angeles states that
she pledges as soon as one has received a High School diploma.
Doubtless the reader by this time has noticed the amount of influence
and actual control exercised by the general Fraternity and the local
alumni in chapter matters. And while the inception of this movement
may be traced even before the foundation of the Executive Council in
1881, most of it is a product of the past four decades. During these years
alumni organizations came into existence. The earliest known reference
to such an activity is to be found in a letter from Henry R. Waite to
Rutgers, December 4, 1869. In this communication Waite mentions the
foundation of a New York Delta Upsilon Club at a recent meeting of
alumni at Delmonico's. For some little time a feeling had manifested
itself in that city in favor of such a movement, while the undergraduates
in convention for the past three years had been urging action along this
line. Henry R. Waite, James S. Greves, John W. Root and Isaac F.
Ludlam were the chief enthusiasts who used to gather at the club rooms,
817 Broadway, between the hours of one and three. Here, it might be
said, was the first office of the Fraternity and under its roof Waite con-
ducted the management of Our Record, the oldest fraternity pub-
lication in America. The life of this periodical, unfortunately, was
extremely uncertain and it expired, as has been noted elsewhere, under
the heavy weight of debts which the undergraduates imposed upon its
editors. In behalf of the editors, the New York Delta Upsilon Club
appeared at the 1870 Convention but were unable to accomplish any-
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 341
thing of importance. The following taken from the manuscript records
illustrates the attitude of these men:
To THE DELTA UPSILON FRATERNITY
The Convention of 1870 has been held, and the Fraternity has acted
in a most dishonorable manner, both in regard to the "Quarterly
Review" and the New York Graduate Club. Of the former we shall
say little: the facts are before you; and we heartily endorse the action
of the editor in withdrawing at once from a body of men who persisted
in disregarding the pledges of former years.
In the latter case your action was of nearly the same character. For
the past three years you have asked us to establish a graduate club in
this city.
We have done so.
We have hired and furnished a room and kept it open all winter to
the Fraternity.
We have already expended over three hundred dollars.
We have organized a Chapter at Princeton College.
And when we asked you at your convention, not so much for your
pecuniary assistance, as for some appreciation of what has been done
at your request, we were treated with the utmost indifference.
We do therefore most earnestly protest against your action at
Providence, and hope that something may yet be done to remove this
blot from the otherwise fair fame of our common Fraternity.
James S. Greves, Vice-Pres. N. Y. Club.
John W. Root, Secretary " " .
Isaac F. Ludlam, Treas, " " ,
New York, June 13, 1870.
Nothing, however, was done by the undergraduates for a number of
years and in the meantime the Graduate Club closed its doors. Probably
the Club ceased to exist by the late fall of 1870. Three years later, how-
ever, a movement to revive this organization got under way and at the
1874 Convention it was voted to establish a Central Delta U. Lodge in
New York City. Whether anything actually materialized is not known,
though Crossett in the Quarterly in 1890 states that the society was
founded but died shortly thereafter. 480 In 1880, however, the convention
voted that a graduate chapter should be founded at New York as well as
Boston, Cincinnati, and Albany. Our records show that little was done
until 1882 when once again the convention voted to establish a graduate
club at New York, a movement which coincided with the formation of
the Executive Council of the Fraternity. Consequently one may view
this effort to form a club as being part of the general idea of founding
a central office for Delta Upsilon. Steps were immediately taken and on
480 Quarterly, VIII: 179.
342 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
December 19, 1882 a new club was started. On February 10, 1883 those
interested gathered at Frobisher's Hall on East Fourteenth and adopted
a constitution. Benjamin A. Willis, Union '61 was elected president of
what was called the New York Delta Upsilon Club. Rooms were rented
in conjunction with the New York Chapter at 842 Broadway and meet-
ings were held for social and business affairs for several years. At least
the organization was alive when the first Quinquennial was published
as it is referred to being in existence at that time. From its rooms,
Crossett in behalf of the Fraternity, frequently conducted the business
of Delta Upsilon and edited the Quarterly. During 1886 the club seems
to have died. This statement rests upon an entry by Crossett in the
Quarterly and upon the absence of any report by that organization at
convention. And yet the statement presented by Charles H. Roberts
at the 1887 Convention would seem to indicate that the club had
merely been reorganized. According to Roberts, "The Club has recently
taken a step which promises to be of great value to itself and the
Fraternity at large. Articles of incorporation have been drawn up and
signed by a number of well-known members of the Fraternity in New
York, and the act of incorporation will be completed as soon as pos-
sible." Roberts also stated that a handsome "four story, high stoop,
brown stone house, No. 8 East Forty-Seventh Street has been leased,"
and that shortly it will be thrown open to all members of the Fra-
ternity. 481 Incorporation under New York law was effected December
13, 1887, the objects being social, mutual benefit, artistic and educa-
tional. The trustees were to be twelve in number, of whom Otto M.
Eidlitz, Frederick M. Crossett, Charles E. Hughes, John Q. Mitchell
and Eugene D. Bagen appear as officers. 482
The New York Delta Upsilon Club is still in existence, Thomas C.
Miller being its present executive. The activities of this club have
been altogether too numerous to mention, although it has sponsored
several conventions of the Fraternity and a countless number of formal
and informal gatherings. Its own meetings and luncheons have proved
of infinite value to Delta Upsilon. From its members have been re-
cruited individuals who have given of their time and labor for the
advancement of the Fraternity and many a member of the Executive
Council, Council and Board of Directors has been drawn from this
organization. Based upon the record of its achievements it may safely
be said that the New York Delta Upsilon Club has been one of the
l, 1885.
483 A copy of this charter hangs at present on the walls of the Fraternity Head-
quarters, 285 Madison Ave., New York.
CHAPTER AND ALUMNI LIFE 343
most active agencies for good within the Fraternity and the leading
organization of its kind.
The members of the New York Club were extremely interested in
the Delta Upsilon Camp which was founded in the summer of 1880
on Lake George. This camp was established with the idea of bringing
together members of the various chapters for the advancement of the
Fraternity and for social purposes. The first gathering took place in
the summer of 1879 on the part of certain members of the Brown and
Colgate Chapters. So pleased were these men that they decided to
effect a permanent organization and invite others within the Fra-
ternity to join with them the following year. Marcus C. Allen of Col-
gate and Charles E. Hughes of Brown were chosen officers and the
various chapters were circularized with the result that seven men from
Brown, Colgate, New York and Cornell appeared in 1880. Publicity
was given at the 1880 Convention and from then on for a number of
years a number of Delta U's made it a point to attend these outings.
Some time in the next decade enthusiasm for this camp seems to have
died out, though a revival took place in 1903 at Star Lake, New York.
Utimately the entire practice disappeared due probably to the fact
that individual interests were too varied to bring any number together
for social contacts and because the General Fraternity through its own
offices was advancing the cause of the Fraternity in much larger and
more effective ways. Even today, however, one hears of the happy
nature of these gatherings at Lake George, while a perusal of the
Quarterly will furnish many an interesting story and picture of the
Delta Upsilon Camp.
It will be recalled that the 1880 Convention authorized the estab-
lishment of graduate clubs at Boston, Cincinnati and Albany, None
of these materialized just then, though in June, 1883 there was founded
a Chicago Delta Upsilon Club. 483 This organization has been to the
middle west what the New York Club has been to New York. Recently
the Chicago Club sponsored one of the Fraternity's most successful
conventions, while from its members has come a steady stream of in-
dividuals who have aided in the general work of Delta Upsilon. Shortly
before the foundation of this club there was organized at Providence
the Rhode Island Alumni Association on March 9, 1883. The following
year a Cleveland Graduate Club (February 4) , a New England Alumni
Association (February 22) , a Rochester Alumni Chapter Association
(June 16) and a Delta Upsilon Chapter Alumni Association of West-
ern Reserve were established. This sudden increase in alumni organi-
488 A Cornell Graduate Club is reported in the spring of 1882.
344 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
zations was due in part to a change in the constitution which permitted
the formation of the same in centrally located cities. Each alumni
chapter was entitled to representation in convention, though it was
given practically no voice in the conduct of undergraduate activities.
The founding of these groups, moreover, was depended upon the
action of the convention. Only tradition seems to have justified this
method of establishing alumni organizations as reason and logic
clearly argued in favor of allowing the Executive Council to have
control over such matters. Later in the twentieth century, as has been
seen, this restriction was removed and the founding of alumni clubs
or associations, a distinction between the two having been defined in
1905, was placed in the hands of the central government. 484 It should
also be recalled that in 1917 and again in 1921 the alumni were given
additional rights through amendments that accorded them the fran-
chise in most all chapter affairs. Finally, it should be observed that
the governing boards of the Fraternity and the local chapter coun-
sellors have exercised far-reaching control over the chapters and in
this manner have greatly enhanced the value and influence of the
alumni and alumni groups.
Anyone who has attended a convention during the past fifteen years
will readily appreciate the directing influence of the alumni. Further,
from a study of fraternity finance it is shown that alumni contributions
have been increasingly greater than ever before. Without this help it
is certain that Delta Upsilon would not have advanced as far as it has.
And yet alumni club representation at the conventions has never been
very prominent. 485 At the same time the number of these groups has
steadily increased. In 1890 there were but ten alumni clubs, while at
the opening of the next century there were eighteen. Ten years later
there were forty clubs and twenty-one alumni chapter associations.
At present there are over fifty alumni clubs scattered in all parts of
the country. These clubs manifest their interest to Delta Upsilon in a
score of ways as has been evidenced elsewhere in this volume. Loyalty
to the Fraternity has ever been their objective and such cooperation
speaks well for the future of Delta Upsilon.
According to the present constitution the organization, government
and continuation of Alumni Clubs is in the hands of the Board of
Directors. Each club is required to pay annually to the Treasurer the
sum of five dollars in default of which the club loses representation
at convention unless the latter by unanimous vote shall extend that
right to the club.
484 At present these are only dubs. <* See above pp. 208-209.
Chapter XVI
FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA
EARLY RITUALS THE INITIATION RITE OF 1 866 AGITATION FOR A
NON-SECRET GRIP LATER INITIATION RITES FRATERNITY INSIGNIA
THE Social Fraternities of Williams, Hamilton and Middlebury,
the Equitable Union of Union and the Delta Sigma Society of
Amherst were all conceived as anti-secret organizations. Naturally,
those who joined these groups were asked to take a pledge affirming
their belief in anti-secrecy. And it was the taking of this pledge that
constituted the first step towards the growth and development of the
present ritual of Delta Upsilon. Unfortunately the early records of the
Union and Middlebury societies have been lost. Any conclusions,
therefore, that may be advanced as to the genesis of the initiation rite
must rest largely upon the minutes of Williams and Amherst, and
even these are missing for the very early years. On the basis of this
scanty evidence it appears that Williams in 1840 had a very simple
service. The secretary, having read the constitution to those present,
and it should be remembered that this included non-members, ex-
tended an invitation to "all present to join the society." Those who
accepted this offer were then asked to take the following pledge: "You
affirm upon your honor that the principles of this Society as expressed
in its Preamble and Constitution accord entirely with your views; and
you pledge yourself faithfully to adhere to them." And while the tak-
ing of this pledge must have been accompanied by some degree of
solemnity, there is nothing to indicate that any further formality ex-
isted. Although the initiation form was slightly altered in 1842 the
above method seems to have been used throughout the 1840*5. Amherst
seems to have employed much the same procedure as its constitution
was closely patterned after that of Williams. Hamilton probably did
the same as its organic law was formulated along similar lines.
Nothing is known as to the procedure used at Union though it is
established that she followed much the same practice after the foun-
dation of the Anti-Secret Confederation in 1847. The constitution then
345
DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
adopted and as revised in 1848 contained the above-mentioned pledge.
No change appears to have been made until 1864 at which time the
pledge was re-worded so as to read:
You affirm that the principles of this Fraternity, as expressed in its
Preamble and Constitution, accord entirely with your views; that, as a
member of this Fraternity, you will faithfully adhere to those prin-
ciples and abide by all its rules and regulations; that you will ever
extend to each brother the right hand of sympathy; that you will
uphold and encourage your fellow members in all that is honorable
and right; and that, at all times, and in all circumstances, you will
endeavor to cultivate those feelings, which should ever exist between
brothers engaged in a common cause; all this you solemnly promise
on your sacred honor.
The taking of this pledge plus the reading of the constitution
seems to have been all that there was to an initiation rite in 1864. None
of our sources intimate in the slightest degree that any other pro-
cedure was followed; indeed very little comment appears in any of
the extant records. An opinion, however, was forming which was
favorable to something more elaborate, the first intimation of which
is met in a letter from Washington and Jefferson to Rutgers, October
15, 1864. In this communication the former chapter inquired as to
initiation practices and remarked that merely taking the pledge and
reading the constitution seemed altogether too cold and barren. And
while we do not have Rutgers* reply, it is evident that the chapters
discussed the matter by correspondence as a Committee on Initiation
was created by the 1866 Convention. At this gathering the delegates
accepted the report of this committee which read in part as follows: 480
The pledge shall be administered to members-elect standing. The
candidates and President shall stand in the centre (directly in front
of the President's desk) , with the members of the chapter standing
about them. The pledge having been assented to, the President shall
address the newly elected members assuring them of the cordial sym-
pathy of the society, and defining the relations in which they stand
to the Fraternity. He shall then give them the hand of fellowship
in the name of the entire Fraternity. After this the other members
of the Chapter shall also welcome them as brothers. Upon taking
their seats all shall join in singing the "Initiation Song/'
A reading of this provision reminds one of certain features of the
present ritual. One will note the "Charge" as well as the singing. It is
evident that as the present ritual is in part the product of past pro-
cedure that the rite of 1866 must have been based upon local prac-
488 Quinquennial (1884), p. 79.
FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA 347
lices even though our sources refer only to a reading of the consti-
tution and the taking of a pledge. Whether the organic law was still
read after the adoption of this rite we are not informed, though it
is likely that all candidates were aware of the content of the consti-
tution. Finally, it should be noted that the appearance of this more
impressive service coincided with the newer Fraternity idea as ex-
pressed in the 1864 Convention. Delta Upsilon had supplanted the
Anti-Secret Confederation and with the advent of the new order the
older antagonism against formalism tended to disappear. Delta
Upsilon, in other words, was leaving behind its former opposition
to ideas and practices comparable to those held by the secret fra-
ternities. A keener appreciation of the ideals of brotherhood de-
manded that the Initiation Rite should be drafted so as to impress
upon the novices the significance of their vows and upon the older
members of the responsibilities that they had assumed in the past.
The Initiation Rite of 1866 served the Fraternity for many a year.
It is to be noticed that while the chapters were supposed to comply
with this procedure there was no restriction as to the use of other
features. Uniformity, therefore, did not exist, though the records of
the several chapters reveal but little as to the nature of these varia-
tions. Quoting from the Syracuse record for March i, 1878, one reads:
"The candidates were presented to the President who administered
to them the pledge, portions of the Constitution and By-Laws re-
lating to the duties of a member were read by the Secretary, after
which the Fraternity song was sung. Speeches followed. . . ." Al-
though this source does not mention a "charge" as prescribed by the
1866 rite, it is likely that the "speeches" were considered as a fitting
substitute. By 1878, however, opinion seems to have been expressed
in many quarters that a new ritual ought to be adopted. The Con-
vention of that year debated the matter but finally upon vote it was
decided to leave the affair "to the taste of each chapter." 487
Nothing more is recorded in the Annuals relative to a ritual until
1885 when the Executive Council was authorized to construct a new
form which was to be based upon chapter practices. It was also voted
not to print the rite with the constitution but to have die Executive
Council forward copies of the same to the chapters. Although none
of the correspondence of this Council has any comment on this matter
it is evident that these instructions were carried out as the Executive
487 Annual ', 1878. Among the records preserved at the Fraternity headquarters
there is a small four-paged printed tract entitled "Ritual." It is evident on the basis
of internal criticism that this "Ritual" was published by the Fraternity some time
between 1883 and 1885.
348 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
Council reported a new ritual to the 1886 Convention. This form
was accepted and referred to the Executive Council, evidently for
minor corrections. Later in the same year the Executive Council pub-
lished and distributed the new form. 488
The ritual adopted in 1886 served the purposes of the Fraternity
for several years. In 1890, however, the delegates at the convention
instructed the Executive Council to consider the improvement of the
initiation rite. Nothing seems to have been done by this body in
consequence of which the following convention voted the appoint-
ment of two committees of five each, one representative of the East
and the other of the West, to prepare a ceremonial rite and submit
the same to the Executive Council not later than April i, 1892. While
these agencies were at work the Executive Council also took the
matter under consideration. It was soon found out by these three
bodies that the 1891 proposal was too cumbersome to be effective.
Accordingly nothing was done except to report in 1892 that a smaller
body should be placed in charge. The delegates accepted this recom-
mendation and asked the new committee which was created to make
a statement at the next annual gathering. To what extent this com-
mittee functioned is not known as nothing relative to the proposition
was brought before the 1893 or 1894 Conventions. 489
In 1895 the matter was brought before the convention by the re-
quest of the Technology delegate that the Fraternity adopt a non-
secret grip and by the proposal of the De Pauw representative that
there be a new Fraternity Yell. The first of these suggestions was
tabled, the second being referred to the Executive Council. The
significance that should be attached to these suggestions is simply
that there was a growing demand on the part of some of the chapters
in favor of a more elaborate ritual, one moreover that approached
in procedure that followed by the other fraternities. The Executive
Council recognized the existence of this demand by discussing the
matter at several of its meetings. Positive action, moreover, was
hastened by the activities of the 1896 Convention which devoted
considerable time to the topic of a grip. At that meeting, Howard C.
Johnson, Swarthmore '96, representing the Philadelphia alumni, pro-
posed that a committee be appointed to report on the question of a
grip as soon as possible. The delegates voted accordingly and at the
next session the committee stated that it favored a non-secret grip.
***Ibid., 1886, 1887, Quarterly, Xigis. A copy of the 1886 ritual is preserved at the
Fraternity headquarters.
* Annual, 1890-1894, Minutes of the Executive Committee, Jan. 16, June 4, 1892,
FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA 349
The committee, however, suggested that a body o five be appointed
to sound out the attitude of the alumni and report at the next con-
vention. It was also suggested that the matter be discussed by the
delegates then present. No action was taken on this report though
a motion was made by Almon H. Fuller, Lafayette '97 and seconded
by William P. Stewart, Pennsylvania, '98 that "Whereas, We have
a number of alumni who, in accordance with the conservative prin-
ciples of our Fraternity, do not wish to have a grip sanctioned by
our ritual, and Whereas, a goodly number of our Chapters consider
that a grip should be to their interests, and as several of our Chapters
already have individual grips, I move that this Convention grant to
the Chapters ... the privilege of establishing a uniform grip among
themselves." Fourteen chapters voted to lay the motion on the table,
though nineteen were in favor of further discussion. Whereupon,
Clarence A. Bunker, Harvard '89, sensing the inherent possibilities
of the situation, moved to amend Fuller's motion by referring the
entire matter to a select committee to consult with the alumni and
chapters and report at the next convention. This amendment seems
to have been carried, although the language in the Annual is none too
clear. 400 The 1896 Convention also voted to instruct the Executive
Council to revise the ritual and report its findings as soon as possible
to the chapters.
Small wonder was it, therefore, that the Executive Council took
its task much to heart and secured the services of Rossiter Johnson
of Rochester to prepare a new ritual. This fact was reported to the
1897 Convention at which time the Grip Committee also made its
report. This latter body, which was headed by Frank R. Morris, seems
to have sent out in October, 1897 a circular letter to the chapters
which is significant enough to be quoted in full:
Dear Brothers: During the past few years there has been a feeling
in various chapters of Delta Upsilon that the Fraternity has not
reached the ideal of unity. It has already been urged by other Greeks
that Delta Upsilon is an aggregation of individual societies and not
an organic fraternity. Its origin accounts for this seeming or real de-
fect. Two remedies have been suggested to secure closer unity; one
internal, consisting of a more symbolic ritual and of by-laws involving
inter-relations of the chapters; the other remedy is external, at least
in its beginnings, a fraternity grip.
The grip idea was discussed at the convention of '96 and a com-
mittee was appointed to 'ascertain the sentiment of the active chapters
and alumni with regard to the adoption of a grip by the fraternity/
490 Annual, 1895-1896, Minutes of the Executive Council, Nov. 21, 1896.
350 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
This committee after consulting with many alumni and finding much
opposition to the grip idea, have thought it best to obtain the final
vote of the active chapters before proceeding to canvass the alumni.
In order to save time in the discussion and secure immediate replies,
the committee suggest some of the arguments already advanced in
favor of the grip and also some of the replies thereto.
1. A grip will make us like other fraternities.
Reply. Delta Upsilon has gained much of her power by her un-
likeness to other fraternities in a fundamental principle: non-secrecy.
2. A grip will help to distinguish a member in shaking hands.
Reply. A secret sign would be needed to show him a member before
any attempt to give the grip is made.
3. A grip gives display to fraternal feeling on meeting a brother.
Reply. Though this argument might have some weight with a newly
entered freshman, only real fraternal feeling is worthy of college
men. A warm handshake and brotherly treatment are a sufficient
4. If a grip is non-secret, it is not opposed to the constitution.
Reply. The logic of the grip is a password, with secrecy as the next
step. This means re-organization of the fraternity.
5. Unity is above all things desirable even at the expense of re-
organization on a secret basis.
Reply. This acknowledges the failure of the fraternity to accom-
plish its ends without exact harmony with other fraternities. It
would make Delta Upsilon the 'guy* of other fraternities on the one
hand and alienate the sympathy and support of the older alumni
on the other.
The question is whether to begin externally with a grip or in-
ternally with more ritual and more organic by-laws.
Does your chapter favor a grip? Give exact number of 'yeas' and
'nays'. In the judgment of the committee only members o three
months standing at least should discuss the question.
It is evident on the basis of this letter as well as the discussions
that had taken place on the floor of convention that sentiment existed
favorable to a grip. And while some of the sentiment behind this
rested on the assumption that only a non-secret grip was needed, the
fact remains that there was a body of opinion demanding an organi-
zation more like the secret societies. The entire situation was indeed
a critical one and called for the most careful handling. It is of interest,
therefore, to see how the matter was disposed of and what final
conclusion was reached. In reply to the circular letter, Middlcbury,
Rutgers, Colgate, Cornell, Michigan, Lehigh, Minnesota and Tech-
nology were all opposed to a grip. Williams, Colby, Bowdoin and
Northwestern were all in favor. Brown and Adelbert took a neutral
position, the former though favoring a grip left its delegates freedom
of action at the next convention, while the latter instructed its dele-
FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA 351
gates not to oppose if a number desired the grip. Hamilton and Penn-
sylvania were evenly divided on the question, while Columbia, De
Pauw, Swarthmore, Stanford, California and New York gave ma-
jority votes in opposition to a grip. In addition to these tabulations,
which appear in the report of the Grip Committee, Syracuse was
unanimously against the idea. Of the other societies, no information
is at hand. All in all it would seem that the majority of the active
members were not in sympathy with a grip, a view which seems to
have been held by most of the alumni consulted. 491
The findings of the Grip Committee seem to have been carefully
considered by the delegates with the result that a motion was passed
at the 1897 Convention declaring that a grip was contrary to the
principles of the Fraternity. 402 Although this matter was disposed of,
the Fraternity was brought face to face with the question of a more
elaborate ritual as through such a device the elements that favored
a grip might be appeased. In answer to this demand, the Executive
Council announced that a revision was already under way. Delay,
however, seems to have taken place. Whether Rossiter Johnson ever
completed his task or not is not known. In any event at the 1900
Convention a committee of five was appointed to draw up a uniform
method of initiation and report at the next annual gathering. This
body prepared a definite rite which after some change was accepted
by the delegates in 1901. This ritual seems to have been published
separately by the Secretary of the Executive Council. 498
In 1904, following a suggestion offered by the Executive Council
in the interest of internal improvement, the Convention authorized
an immediate revision of the ritual. During the course of the next
two years the Executive Council appears to have given the matter
some consideration. Correspondence passed back and forth between
the members of this body and consideration was given to the various
practices followed by the chapters. Copies, moreover, of a proposed
new rite were sent to the chapters in the fall of 1906 with the request
that the rite be tried and comments forwarded to the Fraternity
Headquarters. Seven of the societies failed to respond to this com-
munication. Of the other thirty, twenty were favorably disposed;
seven opposed while three were as yet undecided. In the face of these
returns the Executive Council wisely referred the entire affair to the
convention which in 1907 voted to ask the Executive Council to ap-
401 Annual, 1897-1898, Minutes o the Syracuse Chapter, Oct. 19, 1897.
Idem.
408 Annual, 1900, 1901.
352 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
point a group of undergraduates to cooperate in revising the ritual
and report at the next meeting. Before appointing this group the
Executive Council asked the chapters to express an opinion as to the
form that had been submitted. In reply twenty-nine societies voted
in favor of the new rite, five were opposed, while one was non-
committal. Brown and Colby failed to vote. Accepting this response
as indicating a preference for the proposed rite, four undergraduates
were added to the original committee. The enlarged committee then
studied the entire affair and mailed their results to the chapters in
the fall of 1908. The convention of that year revised this form some-
what and voted to recommend its use for one year, during which time
criticisms might be forwarded to the committee. 494
During 1908 and 1909 the chapters seem to have used this tem-
porary form, while the committee undertook to digest the returns
made by the chapters. Although progress was reported in 1909, the
Executive Council requested further time. This seems to have been
granted as the Executive Council reported in 1910 that a number of
alterations as to length and style had been considered and the fin-
ished draft handed over to John Erskine, Columbia, 'oo, for final
revision. Copies of the completed ritual were forwarded to the chap-
ters and discussed by their delegates at the 1911 Convention. This
body accepted this revision with the single exception that pledge
was lengthened somewhat. In the fall of 1913 the Fraternity pub-
lished this ritual. 495
The ritual consisted of three rites. In Rite I the candidates took
pledges of a negative character and were informed of the general
nature of the vows to be taken later on; an opportunity was also given
for each man to express a willingness to continue the ceremony.
While this was in progress the rest of the chapter and visiting alumni
were called to order by a Master of Ceremonies in another room and
informed of the names of the candidates. Opportunity was afforded
at this time for the registering of any objection to any candidate.
Rites I and II were to be conducted at the same time so that when
the Examiner and Conductor in charge of the candidates should
hear the singing of the Fraternity Ode, they should then be led into
the room where the chapter was waiting. On their appearance Rite
III followed in which a prayer was offered. A formal charge might
then be given to the novices, after which the following pledge was
exacted from each candidate:
1904-1908, Minutes of the Executive Council, 1904-1908.
496 Annual, 1909-1911,
FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA 353
Do you solemnly declare that the principles of this Fraternity as
they have been explained to you, accord entirely with your own views;
and do you solemnly promise that as members of this Fraternity you
will faithfully adhere to those principles, endeavoring in every way
to perfect yourselves morally, intellectually and socially, and endeav-
oring also to act towards others according to that high standard of
conduct required by the Fraternity?
Do you also solemnly promise that you will be loyal to the Delta
Upsilon Fraternity and to this Chapter, abiding by their rules, dis-
charging your obligations to them faithfully, and using all honorable
means to promote their interests?
And do you further solemnly promise that you will share with
your brothers the duties of your Chapter; that you will uphold and
encourage them in all that is honorable and right; that you will ever
extend to each brother the right hand of sympathy; and that at all
times and in all circumstances you will endeavor to cultivate those
sentiments which should ever exist between brothers?
All this do you solemnly promise upon your honor, without any
mental reservation or secret evasion of mind whatsoever? If so, you
will answer to your name, I do.
Following this series of pledges the Master of Ceremonies then
proceeded to invest each candidate with the pin of the Fraternity
after which a short speech of welcome followed by the same officer.
In closing this brief rsum of the ritual one may get an appreciation
of the beauty of style and imagery contained within the ceremony
by reading the following address to the candidates by the Master
of Ceremonies:
This hour, to all of us impressive, to you, sirs, should be especially
solemn. We initiate you into no meaningless mysteries, but into a
brotherhood founded upon a principle which it is our duty to ex-
emplify in our lives Dikaia Upotheke Justice, our Foundation. The
relation of brotherhood is a sacred one. Its ties arc pure and noble,
for it has been divinely established by the great Exemplar as the
proper bearing of man towards man. It is therefore the ideal of human
relationship, an ideal which we seek to realize in our fraternal life,
thereby learning from our Fraternity the highest lessons of human
duty and opportunity. In this brotherhood, justice is our guiding
principle and as justice is but truth in action, it is our deeds which
testify our loyalty to the ideals of our Fraternity and our worthiness
to conserve the heritage handed down to us by the past generations
of Delta Upsilon. In purity, in uprighteousness, in nobleness, in
consideration for others and fair dealing with them, in constant en-
deavor to promote truth and equity in every relation in which we
may be castin such ways do the lessons of our Fraternity bear their
richest fruit. Into uch a brotherhood, we offer you the opportunity
, to enter. But in entering you must pledge undying loyalty to Delta
Upsilon and to its ideals.
354 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
The delivering of this address as well as the taking of the pledges
and charge in Rite III were set in a simple but impressive manner.
Those attending were to be uniformly dressed, either in formal
evening dress or in an informal suit of dark color. Uniformity was
also to prevail among the initiates. Academic gowns might be worn
by the officials. The lights in the room were also to be softened. All
in all an attempt was made to create an atmosphere that was con-
ducive to the importance of the event. Further, as in the words of
the Executive Council, "This ritual is the only one by which a mem-
ber can be initiated into the Fraternity and it is incumbent upon
every Chapter to adhere to it strictly." 496
No alteration of the 1911 Ritual took place until 1919 when the
convention of that year provided for the insertion of a clause bind-
ing the initiate not to allow his badge to be worn by any other than
a member of the Fraternity. At the same time the Council was in-
structed to take steps towards the composition of a new rite which
might be used in the formal entry of members into the alumni of
Delta Upsilon. For the next two years a special committee of the
Council, headed by Clifford Swan, worked on the matter of a revised
ritual. This revision was submitted to the 1931 Convention and there
adopted. In general the 1921 Ritual followed that of 1911. Beyond
certain changes in style the more important modifications were: first,
that in Rite I the candidate was required to inscribe his name in a
Roll Book which contained the pledges he would take in connection
with Rite II; second, Rite II and Rite III were merged into one rite
known as Number II; third and last, that the wording of the pledges,
but not the content, was altered to a slight degree. To many the 1921
Ritual seemed more attractive than that of 1911. The simplicity and
yet withal the beauty of style has endeared it to the hearts of many.
Since 1921 no changes have been made in the Initiation Rite of
Delta Upsilon.
The discussion relative to a grip and ritual resulted in a reorgani-
zation of the Fraternity Insignia. It will be recalled that during the
period before 1881 a rather simple insignia existed. Since that date
various changes, detailed in nature, have taken place. For example
upon the incorporation of the Fraternity in 1909 the seal and
coat-of-arms was altered. Further modifications and additions have
been made from time to time, concerning which no elaborate dis-
cussion seems necessary. At present according to the constitution the
coat-of-arms is to be uniform throughout the chapters and consists
409 Annual, 1912.
EARLY KEYS AND BADGES OF
DELTA UPSILON
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FRATERNITY RITUAL AND INSIGNIA 355
of certain descriptive devices and emblems that signify the Fraternity,
Convention and Assembly. The colors of Delta Upsilon are listed as
old gold and sapphire blue while the badge was to consist of a plain
gold pin, with no jewels, bearing the arms of Upsilon and the motto
of the Fraternity. This badge is provided by the Fraternity and must
be worn by all undergraduates. Members are allowed to wear a
recognition pin or button which is a miniature of the badge. Neither
badge nor pin may be worn by any person other than a member of
Delta Upsilon, or the mother, wife or fiancee of such a member.
Badge, pin, pledge button, and any other insignia used by an under-
graduate is obtained solely through the Fraternity office. Graduate
members may purchase, through the Fraternity, jewelled pins. Pro-
vision also exists for Fraternity hat bands, banners and china.
Chapter XVII
DELTA UPSILON IN STATE AND NATION
-TTJTERETOFORE the narrative o this volume has been directed to-
JLJL wards sketching the genesis and development of the General
Fraternity, its chapters and alumni clubs. Attention has also been
paid to those men, like Crossett, Thomas and Fairbanks, who gave
most generously o their time and treasure so that Delta Upsilon
might become what it is today. Significant as these facts are, and
every student of history will recognize their value, fraternity mem-
bers in general also take great pride in pointing to services which
certain individuals have rendered to state and society. Every na-
tionally minded American knows of the efforts of fellow citizens in
contributing to the material and spiritual well-being of man the
world over. In the field of science, for example, the research of a
Thomas Edison or a Henry Ford leaps beyond the confines of the
United States and spreads its benefits over Europe, Asia and Africa.
Or again, in the cause of international peace, what American is
ignorant of the work of an Andrew Carnegie or of a Woodrow
Wilson. Indeed, he not only knows of their accomplishments but is
proud of the fact that these men were Americans like himself and
that through their efforts a better world order and civilization has
been evolved. In much the same sense each member of Delta Upsilon
notes with justifiable satisfaction the deeds of those brothers in na-
tional and state activities.
For purposes of organization and convenience this material may
be grouped under several different headings and that which first
demands attention relates to the field of education. Leaving to one
side the very worthy efforts of those who have labored in our coun-
try's secondary schools and confining our attention to colleges and
universities the reader will notice that Delta Upsilon has had a fair
share of presidents and professors. Among the former there stands
out the name of David Starr Jordan (1851-1931), Cornell '72. Dr.
Jordan's interest in education is well attested by his presidency at
the University of Indiana (1885-1891) and at Leland Stanford from
DELTA UPSILON IN STATE AND NATION 357
1891 to the time of his death. Dr. Jordan was also a prominent figure
in the peace crusade, a scientist in the field of natural history and the
author of a number of well known books and articles. In the mean-
time William H. P. Faunce, Brown '80, was winning a name for
himself in academic circles. Dr. Faunce (1859-1930) for a time was
a notable figure in the Baptist ministry but in 1889 was called to
the presidency of Brown University, an office which he filled until
his retirement in 1929. His interests were many as may be shown by
his activities in the cause of temperance and peace and by his several
stout volumes and stimulating articles. Another member of Delta
Upsilon who directed the destinies of a great university was Elisha
B. Andrews (1844-1917) , Brown '70. Like Faunce, Dr. Andrews was
educated for the Baptist ministry but in 1875 became president of
Dennison College. Later in 1894 he was made president of Brown
and in 1900 he became Chancellor of the University of Nebraska
where he remained until 1908. At present, Frederick C. Hicks, Mich-
igan '86, is president at the University of Cincinnati, James B.
Conant, Harvard '14, president of Harvard University, Ralph D.
Hetzel, Wisconsin '06, president of Pennsylvania State College, and
Remsen Du Bois Bird, Lafayette '09, president of Occidental College.
Delta Upsilon is also proud of its many sons who have earned for
themselves names as prominent professors and teachers. Of these spe-
cial mention should be made of the work of Jeremiah W. Jenks,
Michigan '78, James Harvey Robinson, Harvard '87, Victor C.
Alderson, Harvard '85, Trevor Arnett, Minnesota '94, Howard Ayers,
Michigan '83, Arthur E. Bestor, Chicago '01, John C. Branner, Cor-
nell '74, John Henry Comstock, Cornell '74, Byron Cummings, Rut-
gers "89, Herman L. Fairchild, Cornell '74, Archer B. Hulbert,
Marietta '95, Robert H. Lord, Northwestern '06, David S, Muzzey,
Harvard '93, Curtis H. Page, Harvard '90, John D. Hicks, North-
western '13, Arthur L, Cross, Harvard '95, and George T. Hargitt,
Syracuse '02. These and many others have been known not only
for their records as teachers but as authors of special note. In ad-
dition many Delta U's are particularly of interest for their writings.
James Ford Rhodes (1848-1927), New York '67, is well known to
all students of history for the memorable History of the United
States, Henry M. Baird, (1832-1906) , New York Honorary, for his
Huguenots in France, Stephen Crane (1891-1900), Lafayette and
Syracuse '94, for the Red Badge of Courage, Rossiter Johnson, Roch-
ester '63, for the Great Events by Famous Historians, and Ralph W.
Trine, Wisconsin '91, for his In Tune with the Infinite. Others who
358 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
have written are Paul S. Reinsch, Wisconsin '92, Augustus H. Shearer,
Rutgers '99, Joyce Kilmer, Rutgers '08, and John Macy, Harvard '99.
Recently considerable recognition has been accorded John Erskine,
Columbia 'oo for his writings in the field of drama and fiction, Hey-
wood Broun, Harvard '10 for his editorials in the New York World
and Rupert Hughes, Western Reserve '92 for his many novels and
histories. Closely akin to their efforts is the work of a number of
men who have figured prominently in journalistic and editorial ac-
tivities. Here mention should be made of the services of William
Bross, Williams '38, one time editor of the Chicago Tribune and
lieutenant-governor of the state of Illinois, Erman J. Ridgway, North-
western '91, publisher of Everybody's, 1903-1917, and contributor to
the New York Sun and Herald, Alexander D. Noyes, Amherst '83,
financial editor of the New York Times, and Frank H. Simonds, Har-
vard 'oo, at one time an editor of the New York Evening Post and
Tribune and at present a well known writer in the field of current
international affairs.
Probably a large share of the alumni for the past thirty years or
more have gone into the professional or business fields. Among these
mention should be made of the work of Albert Warren Ferris, New
York '78. Dr. Ferris from 1907 to 1911 was president of the New
York State Commission on Lunacy, from 1913 to 1916, director of
the Saratoga Springs Reservation Commission and senior physician
at Glen Springs Health Resort. Melville T, Cook, De Pauw and
Stanford '94, as plant pathologist at Insular Experiment Station in
Porto Rico, William B. Greeley, Stanford and California, '01, as chief
forester, United States Forest Service, Leland O. Howard, Cornell
'77, chief of the United States Bureau of Entomology and Edward
C. Potter, Amherst '82, prominent American sculptor, are worthy of
notice. Again, recognition is due to Alfred P. Sloan, Technology '95,
for his services as president of the General Motors Corporation,
Charles L. Edgar, Rutgers '82, as president of the Edison Electric
Illuminating Company of Boston, Charles L. Eidlitz, Columbia '88,
as chairman of the New York Electrical Board of Trade, Otto M.
Eidlitz, Cornell '81, as capitalist, contractor and civic investigator,
Robert J. Eidlitz, Cornell '85, president of Marc Eidlitz 8c Son, Wal-
lace T. Holliday, Western Reserve '05, president of the Standard Oil
Company of Ohio, Frank B. Jewett, Chicago '02, vice president of
American Telephone and Telegraph Company and president of the
Bell Laboratories and George F. Rand, Pennsylvania '16, president
of the Marine Trust Company of Buffalo, New York. William S.
DELTA UPSILON IN STATE AND NATION 359
Barstow, Columbia '87, of the General Gas and Electric Corporation,
Edgar S. Bloom, Pennsylvania '95, of the Western Electric Com-
pany, Samuel H. Cook, Syracuse '02, of the Brown-Lipe Manufacturing
Company of Syracuse, and James L. Pierce, California '12, of the
Pacific Manufacturing Company should also be noted. Finally, ref-
erence should be made to Edward J. Pearson, Cornell '83, president
of the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad.
Many of those already referred to and a large number of others
have at some time or other held positions of trust and confidence in
state and national governments. Frank C. Partridge, Middlebury '81,
for example, has busied himself in the Vermont Marble Company
and Clarendon 8c Pittsford Railroad and has also gained reputation
as United States Consul-General at Tangiers, as United States Min-
ister to Venezuela and as Solicitor, United States Department of
State. Robert H. Lord, Harvard and Northwestern '06, though well
known to students of history, served as technical expert at the Ver-
sailles Peace Conference of 1918. Others who have been engaged at
various times with the Federal Government are Edward M. Bassett,
Hamilton and Amherst '84. Bassett at one time was a congressman,
member of the New York Public Service Commission and a counsel
on President Hoover's Advisory Commission on City Planning and
Zoning. W. Randolph Burgess, Brown '12, an author, statistician,
and agent of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, John C. Cald-
well, Amherst '55, United States Minister to Uruguay, Orlow W.
Chapman, Union '54, United States Solicitor-General, Arthur H.
Vandenberg, Michigan '04, United States Senator from Michigan,
Frank H. Hitchcock, Harvard '91, Postmaster General and a member
of President Wilson's Cabinet, Daniel S. Lamont, Union '72, once
Secretary of War, Sereno E. Payne, Rochester '64, father of the
celebrated Payne Tariff, Arthur M. Hyde, Michigan '99, Secretary of
the Department of Agriculture in 1929, Rexford G. Tugwell, Penn-
sylvania '15, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, 1933, 1934, Redfield
Proctor, Middlebury, United States Senator from Vermont and Sec-
retary of War, Justin S. Morrill, Middlebury, Senator from Vermont
and Charles C. Nott, Union '48, Chief Justice of the United States
Court of Claims, are also of interest in this respect.
Foremost among those who have gained national reputation at
Washington, D. C., is James A. Garfield, Williams '56. Prominence
in chapter and college life was closely matched by his skill as a lawyer
and equalled by his services as a major-general in the Federal Armies
during the Civil War. Later, his attention was directed to politics
360 DELTA UPSILON, ONE HUNDRED YEARS
and from there his career led him to the White House, being Presi-
dent of the United States in 1881. Although Delta Upsilon has had
only one member to hold this signal office, Charles Evans Hughes,
Colgate and Brown '81, as Republican candidate in 1916, all but won
this coveted distinction. Mr. Hughes, however, has won lor himself
a splendid reputation as a lawyer, jurist, Governor of the State
of New York, Secretary of State of the United States, Associate and
Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court and above all as a
public spirited citizen. Among the many friends which Mr. Hughes
has in the Fraternity mention should be made of Charles G. Dawes,
Marietta '84. Mr. Dawes has held a number of important posts both
in state and national governments. During the World War, he was
a brigadier-general. Later he became the first director of the Bureau
of the Budget, the father of the well known Dawes Reparations Com-
mission, and Ambassador to Great Britain in 1929. Mr. Dawes was
also comptroller of the Currency from 1897 to 1902, and in 1924 was
elected as Vice-President of the United States. At present Mr. Dawes
is a lawyer and banker of consi